Symptoms of AFFF Exposure: Health & Cancer Risks (2025)

We live in a world full of hazardous chemicals, many of which have implications for human health that we don’t fully understand. Products like aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) effectively save lives and preserve property but do so at the expense of the workers who handle them.

Successful treatment of AFFF-related health conditions relies on early detection and quick medical response. Here is an overview of AFFF health risks and what to do if you face a cancer diagnosis after exposure.

What Makes AFFF Exposure So Harmful?

AFFF is a fire suppressant used for petroleum-based fires, which are common in the industrial, military, and aviation sectors. It works by smothering fires and cutting off oxygen so they eventually extinguish. Unlike water or liquid suppressants, AFFF can contain a fire and keep it from spreading.

The danger of AFFF is in its ingredients, namely per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. Also called “forever chemicals,” PFAS persist in the body and the environment because they do not break down easily.

PFAS contaminates groundwater and soil in the environment, exposing community members to their toxic properties. Once it enters the human body, PFAS produces poor health effects, including cancer, ulcers, high cholesterol, and immune system effects.

How Are People Exposed to AFFF?

Service members, such as those in the Navy, and firefighters are most frequently exposed to AFFF by:

• Skin contact during use
• Inhalation of aerosols
• Other occupational exposure, including packing, storing and managing supplies

Community members can also face exposure near a site that stores or uses AFFF. This exposure occurs by:

• Contaminated water sources
• Contaminated soil and environment
• Consumption of contaminated food

AFFF Exposure Symptoms

Symptoms depend on exposure severity and method and an individual’s unique physiology. Immediate or acute exposure symptoms associated with AFFF are relatively rare, as the primary danger associated with this product is PFAS.

However, some people experience immediate AFFF side effects after exposure, including:

• Respiratory distress
• Eye and skin irritation
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Headaches
• Dizziness.

Many symptoms take years to manifest. These long-term symptoms may include:

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Poor vaccine response
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Developmental effects in children
• Reduced fertility

Finally, there are cancer diagnoses from AFFF exposure. Depending on the cancer, the minimum time between first exposure and diagnosis is between two and 15 years. Also, these victims usually have five or more AFFF exposures over a two to five-year period.

Those timelines depend on the illness. For example, kidney cancer usually takes 15 years from the first exposure to diagnosis, although that can be less if the cancer is aggressive. However, thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis develop within two years from exposure to diagnosis.

What to Do if You Have AFFF Exposure Symptoms

First, see your doctor. You need to start treatment as soon as possible and document your condition. This step is especially crucial if you are a current or retired firefighter. This group is 60% more likely to die from cancer than the general population due to continuous exposure to fire-suppressant chemicals.

Another class of people also faces health impacts from AFFF. The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense acknowledged AFFF exposure by service members.

Those who developed health conditions from long-term AFFF exposure may have a claim against AFF manufacturers. While you may not remember how frequently you encountered AFFF or handled it during a fire, an attorney can find those records and may link AFFF to your health conditions.

Second, use our resources at ConsumerShield to find an attorney. Navigating the legal complexities of these claims can be challenging, which is why you should have a dedicated advocate by your side. The passionate consumer protection specialists at ConsumerShield are here to help you every step of the way.

Reach out to ConsumerShield online and take advantage of our free AFFF Case Review. Our compassionate team is here to assess your situation, provide you with essential resources, and guide you through your legal options.

Rising Trends in AFFF Lawsuits Over Time

Over recent years, the number of new AFFF cases has shown a consistent and significant upward trend. In 2022, filings were relatively low but peaked mid-year before dropping toward the end. In 2023, there was a noticeable rise, particularly in the first half, with consistent growth through the summer, culminating in a huge number of 959 cases in July. The most dramatic increase occurred in 2024, with filings reaching record highs during spring and summer. These trends suggest growing public awareness of AFFF risks and stronger legal momentum driving more individuals to pursue claims.