The discovery of toxic “forever chemicals,” including harmful PFAS, in drinking water at over 700 military installations across the United States has created one of the largest environmental health crises involving harmful chemicals in military history.

For decades, service members, their families, and civilian workers have unknowingly consumed water contaminated with Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) (also known as firefighting foam), leading to devastating health consequences that continue to emerge today.

If you or a loved one served at a military base with contaminated water, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This comprehensive guide explains your rights, the legal pathways available, and how to take action to protect your family’s future.

AFFF Exposure and Compensation Rights

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a specialized type of firefighting foam designed to rapidly suppress fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, jet fuel, and other hazardous substances. This film-forming foam, AFFF, is a blend of water, surfactants, and other chemical additives that work together to create a thin, protective film over the surface of the burning liquid. By cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply, AFFF quickly extinguishes dangerous blazes and prevents re-ignition.

Because of its effectiveness in controlling flammable liquid fires, AFFF has been widely adopted by fire departments, military personnel, and industrial sites across the United States and around the world. Its ability to suppress fires that water alone cannot handle made it the go-to solution for high-risk environments, especially where rapid fire suppression is critical to saving lives and protecting valuable equipment.

History and Use of AFFF on Military Bases

The introduction of AFFF to military bases began in the 1960s, when the U.S. military sought more effective fire suppression agents for use on aircraft carriers, airfields, and other installations where flammable liquids posed a constant threat. Over the decades, AFFF became a standard tool for fire training exercises, emergency response, and routine fire suppression activities on military bases.

This widespread use meant that AFFF was regularly sprayed on runways, hangars, and fire training sites, often in large quantities. Unfortunately, the same properties that made AFFF so effective at extinguishing fires also contributed to its persistence in the environment. As a result, many military bases now face significant contamination of their soil, groundwater, and surface water, with PFAS pollution becoming a major environmental and public health concern.

How AFFF Became a Widespread Contaminant

AFFF became a widespread contaminant primarily because it contains toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These polyfluoroalkyl substances are highly resistant to breaking down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time. As AFFF was used repeatedly for fire suppression and training, PFAS leached into the soil, groundwater, and surface water, spreading far beyond the original application sites.

The persistence of these toxic chemicals has led to a host of serious health issues for those exposed, including testicular cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid disease. The ability of PFAS to remain in the environment and the human body for years means that even brief or past exposure can result in long-term health issues. Today, communities near military bases and industrial sites continue to grapple with the legacy of AFFF contamination and its impact on public health.

Are You Eligible for AFFF Exposure Compensation?

Military personnel exposed to AFFF contamination may be eligible for substantial compensation, with recent settlements reaching millions of dollars for individual claimants. The key factors determining eligibility include:

Primary Eligibility Criteria:

• Military service at a contaminated installation between 1970 and the present
• Diagnosis of AFFF-related medical conditions
• Documented exposure through base water supply, firefighting activities, or residential proximity
• Valid military records confirming service dates and locations

Qualifying Medical Conditions:

The following health conditions have established links to AFFF exposure and qualify for compensation claims:

• Cancers: Kidney, testicular, prostate, bladder, thyroid, and liver cancers
• Reproductive Issues: Pregnancy complications, decreased fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Metabolic Disorders: High cholesterol, obesity (only mild obesity), diabetes
• Liver Conditions: Increased liver enzymes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Immune System Disorders: Decreased vaccine response, autoimmune conditions

Quick Eligibility Assessment

To determine if you qualify for compensation, consider these questions:

• Did you serve at a military installation between 1970 and 2025?
• Have you been diagnosed with any AFFF-related medical conditions?
• Do you have documentation of your military service and medical records?
• Are you within the statute of limitations for your state?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, you may have a strong compensation case.

Maximum Compensation Amounts for AFFF Exposure Claims

The financial impact of AFFF exposure can be devastating, with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs accumulating rapidly. Recent legal settlements provide insight into potential compensation amounts:

Recent Settlement Ranges:

• Cancer Diagnoses: $500,000 to $3.2 million per case
• Reproductive Health Issues: $150,000 to $800,000
• Liver and Kidney Disease: $250,000 to $1.5 million
• Multiple Conditions: $1 million to $5 million+

Kidney cancer claims and other personal injury claims related to AFFF exposure are among the most significant in ongoing AFFF lawsuits, often resulting in higher settlement values due to the severity of the health impacts involved.

Lawyers estimate that individual AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts may range from $20,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on various factors such as the severity of health conditions and the strength of evidence.

Factors That Increase Claim Value:

• Severity and stage of medical condition
• Length of exposure at a military installation
• Age at time of exposure
• Impact on earning capacity
• Need for ongoing medical treatment.
• Effect on family members (spouse/children)

Timeline for Receiving Compensation

Most AFFF exposure claims follow this timeline:

• Initial Consultation: 1-2 weeks
• Case Investigation: 2-6 months
• Filing Lawsuit: 1-3 months
• Discovery Phase: 6-18 months
• Settlement Negotiations: 3-12 months
• Trial (if necessary): 6-24 months

Many cases settle before trial, with the average settlement process taking 12-24 months from initial filing. As of March 2025, there are nearly 10,000 pending lawsuits in the AFFF firefighting foam class action MDL, highlighting the widespread impact and urgency of these cases. These lawsuits are part of ongoing AFFF firefighting foam litigation, with some cases selected for early personal injury bellwether trials to help determine settlement values and guide future negotiations.

The Hidden Crisis: AFFF Contamination at 700+ Military Installations

Aqueous Film Forming Foam became the military’s firefighting solution of choice in the 1970s, particularly for aviation and fuel-related fires. However, this “miracle foam” contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), now known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down naturally. AFFF (also known as aqueous film-forming foams) has also been widely used in airports, chemical plants, firefighting operations, and military sites for decades, further contributing to its environmental and health impact.

What Makes AFFF “Forever Chemicals” So Dangerous

PFAS chemicals possess unique properties that make them extremely persistent in the environment and human body: Bioaccumulation: Once PFAS enters your system, it accumulates in organs and tissues, with elimination half-lives ranging from 2-9 years. This means that even brief exposure can result in decades of internal contamination. Studies have also shown a measurable association between AFFF exposure and elevated PFAS levels in firefighters, further emphasizing the risks. Toxic PFAS are known for their harmful effects on human health, including increased risk of cancer and other serious illnesses.

Bioaccumulation: Once PFAS enters your system, it accumulates in organs and tissues, with elimination half-lives ranging from 2-9 years. This means that even brief exposure can result in decades of internal contamination and severe health risks associated with long-term exposure to these chemicals.

Environmental Persistence: PFAS chemicals do not degrade naturally, contaminating soil and groundwater for generations. Military bases that used AFFF decades ago still show elevated contamination levels today.

Widespread Distribution: AFFF use during training exercises, aircraft hangars, and emergency responses created multiple contamination pathways, affecting not just firefighters but entire base communities.

How Long Have Military Personnel Been Exposed?

The timeline of AFFF exposure at military installations reveals the scope of this crisis:

• 1970s-1980s: Initial widespread adoption of AFFF across military branches
• 1990s-2000s: Peak usage during expanded military operations
• 2010s: First health studies linking PFAS to adverse health effects
• 2020s: Military begins phasing out AFFF use, but contamination persists

This 50-year exposure window means that multiple generations of military families have been affected, with health impacts continuing to emerge as exposed individuals age.

Life-Threatening Conditions Linked to AFFF Exposure

Medical research has established strong correlations between AFFF exposure and numerous serious health conditions, including individuals who have subsequently developed cancer and other serious health issues as a result of AFFF exposure, with new studies continuing to expand our understanding of these risks. Long-term exposure to AFFF has been linked to various cancers and other serious health complications, as well as a range of health problems, underscoring the need for continued research and legal accountability.

Cancer Types with the Strongest Legal Precedent

Kidney Cancer: Studies show a 58% increased risk among exposed individuals, with the strongest evidence supporting compensation claims. Kidney and testicular cancers are often prioritized in legal claims due to their strong scientific links to AFFF exposure.

Testicular Cancer: Military personnel show significantly higher rates, particularly among those with occupational exposure to AFFF. Firefighters, in particular, are at increased risk of developing testicular cancer due to their frequent use of AFFF in firefighting operations.

Prostate Cancer: Elevated risk documented in multiple epidemiological studies of military populations.

Bladder Cancer: Increased incidence rates among firefighters and military personnel with direct AFFF exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA, a component of PFAS, as a possible carcinogen to humans, particularly linked to bladder cancer.

Thyroid Cancer: Growing evidence links PFAS exposure to thyroid dysfunction and cancer development.

Pancreatic Cancer, Liver and Thyroid Cancer: Pancreatic cancer, as well as liver and thyroid cancer, are also being evaluated in ongoing litigation as additional cancer types potentially linked to AFFF exposure.

Military Family Health Risks: Spouses and Children Affected

AFFF contamination extends beyond service members to their families, creating additional grounds for compensation claims:

Pregnancy Complications:

• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Preeclampsia
• Reduced birth weights
• Increased miscarriage rates

Childhood Health Issues:

• Decreased vaccine effectiveness
• Increased asthma and allergies
• Delayed development milestones
• Higher risk of childhood cancers

Spouse Health Impacts:

• Increased breast cancer rates
• Reproductive health issues
• Thyroid disorders
• Liver function abnormalities

The Environmental Impact of AFFF Contamination

The environmental impact of AFFF contamination is both far-reaching and severe. When AFFF is used, its chemical components can seep into the ground, polluting soil, groundwater, and surface water. This contamination not only threatens the health of those living and working on or near affected sites, but also disrupts local ecosystems and wildlife.

PFAS contamination from AFFF is particularly concerning because these chemicals do not break down naturally, leading to long-term risks for human health and the environment. The presence of AFFF in water sources can result in the accumulation of toxic substances in fish and other aquatic life, which can then enter the food chain and pose additional risks to surrounding communities. As awareness of these dangers grows, efforts to address and remediate AFFF contamination have become a top priority for environmental agencies and affected communities alike.

How AFFF Pollutes Water, Soil, and Ecosystems

AFFF pollutes water, soil, and ecosystems through the release of PFAS compounds during firefighting activities and training exercises. When AFFF is deployed, its PFAS-laden foam can seep into the ground, contaminating both soil and groundwater. Over time, these chemicals migrate through the environment, often reaching surface water such as rivers, lakes, and streams through runoff or direct discharge.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified AFFF as a significant source of PFAS contamination, with many sites across the country now classified as contaminated due to past use of firefighting foams. The impact on ecosystems can be profound, as PFAS chemicals accumulate in plants and animals, disrupting food webs and threatening biodiversity. For humans, the contamination of drinking water sources poses a direct risk to health, making the cleanup and prevention of further AFFF contamination a critical issue for both environmental and public health.

Your Rights Against Military AFFF Contamination

Understanding your legal rights is crucial for pursuing compensation and holding responsible parties accountable for decades of negligence. Choosing an experienced law firm and consulting with an AFFF lawyer can help ensure your legal rights are protected and that you receive the representation you need.

Federal Tort Claims Act vs. Private Manufacturer Lawsuits

Military personnel have two primary legal pathways for seeking compensation: the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which allows claims against the federal government for negligent actions by military personnel. However, the Feres Doctrine traditionally barred active-duty military personnel from suing the government for service-related injuries. Private Manufacturer Lawsuits: Target the companies that manufactured AFFF, arguing they knew or should have known about the health risks but failed to warn users. AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for their failure to provide adequate warnings about the potential health risks of PFAS exposure.

Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA): Allows claims against the federal government for negligent actions by military personnel. However, the Feres Doctrine traditionally barred active-duty military personnel from suing the government for service-related injuries.

Private Manufacturer Lawsuits: Target the companies that manufactured AFFF, arguing they knew or should have known about the health risks but failed to warn users. This pathway typically offers better compensation prospects.

Recent Legal Developments: The 2019 National Defense Authorization Act created exceptions to the Feres Doctrine for certain medical malpractice cases, potentially opening new avenues for military AFFF claims.

Most experienced attorneys recommend individual claims for severe health conditions and class actions for broader exposure cases with less severe health impacts. AFFF lawyers, who specialize in these types of claims, can help victims determine the best legal path based on their specific situation.

Step-by-Step Guide: Filing Your AFFF Exposure Claim

Successfully pursuing an AFFF exposure claim requires careful preparation and documentation, including gathering strong medical evidence to support your claim. Follow these essential steps:

Working with Military Medical Records

Obtaining comprehensive military medical records is crucial for establishing your case:

1. Request Complete Records: Submit SF-180 forms to the National Personnel Records Center.
2. Include All Locations: Request records from every base where you served
3. Seek Occupational Health Records: These may contain exposure documentation.
4. Obtain Unit Medical Records: These can show patterns of illness in your unit

AFFF Exposure vs. Other Military Contamination Cases

Understanding how AFFF claims differ from other military contamination cases can help you navigate the legal process more effectively.

How AFFF Claims Differ from Camp Lejeune Cases

Camp Lejeune Contamination:

• Specific location and time frame (1953-1987)
• Established federal compensation program
• Presumptive conditions for VA benefits
• Streamlined claims process

AFFF Contamination:

• Nationwide scope across 700+ installations
• Ongoing contamination beyond historical dates
• No specific federal compensation program
• Requires individual litigation or class action

Requires individual litigation or class action

Military personnel may have multiple toxic exposures, each requiring separate legal consideration:

• Separate Legal Claims: AFFF and burn pit exposures are typically pursued as separate cases.
• Cumulative Health Effects: Multiple exposures may compound health risks
• Different Defendants: AFFF claims target manufacturers; burn pit claims may target contractors
• Varying Compensation Programs: Different legal frameworks apply to each type of exposure

The Science Behind AFFF Contamination Claims

Understanding the scientific basis for AFFF contamination claims strengthens your legal position and helps explain the severity of the health risks. Scientific studies have shown that PFAS compounds can negatively impact brain health by disrupting neuronal function, causing neurochemical imbalances, and increasing the risk of cognitive impairment and neurological disorders. Additionally, prolonged exposure to these chemicals, especially among firefighters and those in contaminated environments, significantly raises the risk of developing serious health conditions.

Bioaccumulation: Why PFAS Never Leaves Your Body

PFAS chemicals bind to proteins in blood and organs, creating long-term health risks:

Protein Binding: PFAS molecules attach to albumin and other proteins, preventing normal

Organ Accumulation: Highest concentrations found in kidneys, liver, and blood.

Slow Elimination: Half-lives of 2-9 years mean decades of internal exposure.

Increasing Concentrations: Continued exposure leads to ever-higher body burdens

Groundwater Contamination Patterns at Military Bases

Military installations show distinctive contamination patterns that support legal claims:

Source Areas: Aircraft hangars, firefighting training areas, fuel storage facilities.

Plume Migration: Contamination spreads through groundwater over miles.

Persistence: PFAS levels remain elevated decades after initial contamination

Community Impact: Contamination extends beyond base boundaries to surrounding communities

Take Action Today: Your AFFF Exposure Claim Checklist

Time is critical in AFFF exposure cases due to statute of limitations requirements and the progressive nature of many related health conditions.

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights

1. Document Your Exposure: Gather all available military records showing service at contaminated installations.
2. Seek Medical Evaluation: Get a comprehensive health screening for AFFF-related conditions.
3. Consult Legal Counsel: Speak with experienced AFFF litigation attorneys.
4. Preserve Evidence: Maintain all medical records and military documentation.
5. Consider Family Members: Evaluate exposure risks for spouses and children

Conclusion: Your Path to Justice and Compensation

AFFF contamination has caused serious health issues for military personnel and their families. If you’ve been affected by PFAS exposure at contaminated military installations, time is critical for protecting your legal rights.