Firefighting Foam Lawsuits in McAllen, TX
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Firefighters have used firefighting foam since its invention in 1902. Low-expansion foams, such as AFFF (aqueous film forming foams), were popular for many years due to their ability to cover large areas quickly. Unfortunately, AFFF was filled with hidden dangers. Manmade chemical compounds called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are one of the reasons AFFF solutions are so effective, but certain PFAS can accumulate in the body and cause serious health issues, like cancer.
If you have used AFFF solutions while firefighting or serving in the military or lived somewhere where PFAS are used or manufactured, and suffered a cancer diagnosis, the Law Offices of Ramon Garcia may be able to help.
Call us at (956) 606-3800 today to find out what we can do for you.
What Kinds of PFAS Are in Firefighting Foam?
Aqueous film forming foams may contain 2 PFAS compounds, perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). With long-term exposure, PFAS, PFOA, and/or PFOS can buildup in high concentrations within the body. This buildup can increase your risk of thyroid disease, as well as cancers of the testes, kidneys, and bladder.
Determining whether or not firefighting foam contains PFAS is not always easy. Some manufacturers, such as 3M, did not start phasing out toxic foams until 2002, and you may not be able to find PFAS on the list of ingredients.
If you are around older firefighting foam, you should ask your employer (or whoever is in charge of the foam) to contact the manufacturer or replace the old foam with fluorine-free foam solutions. If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.
Have you already been diagnosed with cancer as a result of PFAS exposure? Contact Our McAllen firefighter foam attorneystoday.
Where Does Exposure Happen?
You may have been exposed to PFAS during military service, especially if you served as a firefighter. The U.S. Navy and other branches of the military have used PFAS-containing foam since the 1960s, and AFFF firefighting solutions are popular at airports because they can put out fires caused by jet fuel.
PFAS can also contaminate drinking water, including wells and groundwater. If you live near a military base or you know firefighters use or have used PFAS-containing foam, you could face exposure to PFAS via contaminated drinking water.
No matter where or how your PFAS exposure takes place, our firmcan help you through any cancer diagnosis or health concern you may be facing.
Health Problems
Most people have been exposed to low levels of PFAS in their lifetimes. Nevertheless, high concentrations of PFAS can lead to serious complications. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry(ASTDR), PFAS is linked to the following health problems:
- Fertility issues
- Changes in fetal and child development
- High blood pressure (especially during pregnancy)
- Increased cholesterol
- Issues with the immune system
- Testicular and kidney cancer
- Liver damage
- Increased risk of thyroid disease
- Increased risk of asthma
Your vulnerability to the health issues above will depend on the concentration, frequency, and duration of your exposure. If you are suffering after exposure to PFAS, you do not have to do so in silence.
Opportunities for Recovery
Many manufacturers knew about the risks associated with AFFF firefighting tools and chose to keep producing the products anyways. Even now, companies have only stopped producing AFFF because buyers like the U.S. military are no longer purchasing it.
By taking their product of the market the moment they knew it was unsafe, 3M and other manufacturers could have kept people safe.
We may be able to help you recover compensation from these irresponsible companies using theories of product liability law and environmental claims. If you were exposed at work, we can also help you pursue the benefits you are entitled to by law.
Contact Us Today
When you choose the Law Offices of Ramon Garcia, you put more than 100 years of combined insight and legal experience on your side. We put our clients first and provide the highest quality of legal services in every case we handle. As talented litigators and trial attorneys who have handled more than 200 cases in court, we are not afraid to fight for you.
We won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. We have achieved real results for countless clients, and we can help you, too.
All you have to do is call us at (956) 606-3800 today or contact us onlineto start your case today.