AFFF Exposure Symptoms: Immediate vs. Long-Term (2026)

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.

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

Who is Most Affected by AFFF Exposure?

Some individuals face a significantly higher risk of harm from AFFF exposure due to their frequent contact with the foam at work. They include military firefighters, airport ground crew, workers in some industrial locations, municipal firefighters and first responders. These individuals typically work directly with the toxic foam during training exercises, emergency responses and equipment testing, which frequently exposes them to toxic PFAS chemicals.

Residents living near facilities where AFFF is used, such as military bases, airports or industrial facilities also risk exposure and negative health impacts. AFFF contamination can seep into soil and affect drinking water sources, putting entire communities at risk. If you or a loved one is affected, you may qualify for a lawsuit and an AFFF settlement.

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.

Specific Cancers Linked to AFFF Exposure

Various research studies confirm links between AFFF and certain cancers, particularly kidney and testicular cancer. Other cancers that may be linked to AFFF:

• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Childhood leukemia

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with one of these potential AFFF foam cancers, it’s important to understand your legal options as you may qualify for a compensation claim.

Immediate Symptoms vs. Long-Term Health Risks of AFFF Exposure

Exposure to AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) can cause immediate symptoms and long-term health risks, depending on the level and duration of contact.

• Immediate symptoms. If you’re exposed to AFFF, you may immediately experience eye and skin irritation, headaches and respiratory distress. Symptoms like coughing, throat discomfort or rashes can also occur after contact with the foam or inhalation of the fumes.
• Long-term health risks. The so-called forever chemicals (PFAS) found in AFFF can be a long-term danger to your health. PFAS builds up in the body and is linked to serious conditions such as kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease and immune system dysfunction. They may also cause fertility problems and developmental issues.

If you experience symptoms immediately after AFFF exposure, seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible. If you were exposed to AFFF at work and are concerned about potential health risks, speak to your doctor. Early detection of illness and prompt treatment can help mitigate risks to your health. You may also qualify for an AFFF lawsuit.

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 AFFF 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.

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.

Rising Trends in AFFF Lawsuits Over Time

Over recent years, the number of new AFFF cases has shown a fluctuating yet overall upward trend. In 2022, filings were relatively low. In early 2023, there was a noticeable rise, with continued growth through the summer, reaching 442 new cases in July.

The most dramatic increase occurred in 2024, with filings fluctuating throughout the year but reaching record highs in July (959 cases) and November (749 cases). Early 2025 data suggests continued strong momentum, with 472 cases in February, indicating sustained legal action and growing public awareness of AFFF risks.

Legal Options and Filing an AFFF Exposure Lawsuit

If you or a loved one developed cancer or another illness due to AFFF exposure, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, wage losses and other damages.

Confirm your eligibility for a compensation claim today by completing ConsumerShield’s quick survey, which is available on this page and on the eligibility page. The survey assesses your exposure history and potential health impacts and helps you clarify your legal rights.