Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been a mainstay in fire suppression for decades, particularly valued for its effectiveness in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids. Developed specifically for high-risk environments, AFFF became a standard in military, aviation, and industrial firefighting practices. 

However, the widespread use of AFFF has led to significant environmental contamination due to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) within its formulation.  

This article aims to identify the most common locations where AFFF was historically deployed, providing crucial information for individuals seeking to understand their potential exposure risks. Exposure at these sites could have occurred through various pathways, including direct contact with the foam, contamination of groundwater and soil, and inhalation of airborne particles. 

Our firm is dedicated to assisting individuals who may have been affected by AFFF exposure. 

Military Installations: Significant AFFF Use and Legal Implications: 

The U.S. military has been a major consumer of AFFF, utilizing it extensively for training, emergency responses, and equipment maintenance. Military bases across all branches—the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps—mandated the use of AFFF, especially at installations with aviation operations, due to its superior performance in suppressing jet fuel fires.  

According to various reports from the Department of Defense (DoD), numerous military installations have been identified as having confirmed PFAS contamination resulting from historical AFFF use, leading to ongoing environmental remediation efforts at many of these sites. 

Civilian Airports: FAA Regulations and Exposure Risks: 

Civilian airports have also relied heavily on AFFF to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations. Firefighting drills and responses to aircraft fires have resulted in widespread PFAS contamination. This exposure poses possible risks for airport workers and surrounding communities. 

Fire Training Facilities: High Concentration of AFFF Use 

Dedicated fire training facilities, both military and civilian, represent locations where AFFF was used extensively for realistic training scenarios. Many of these training sites have been identified as areas with significant PFAS contamination due to the consistent and often uncontained discharge of AFFF over prolonged periods. 

Industrial Facilities 

Certain industrial sectors that handle large volumes of highly flammable materials also relied on AFFF as a critical component of their fire safety and emergency response plans. This includes: 

• Oil Refineries: These facilities process vast quantities of crude oil and petroleum products, making them high-risk for fires. AFFF was commonly used for rapid suppression of oil-based fires. 

• Chemical Plants: Facilities involved in the manufacturing, storage, and handling of various chemicals, many of which are flammable, also utilized AFFF for fire protection. 

• Fuel Storage Depots: Locations where large quantities of fuels are stored, such as tank farms and distribution terminals, often incorporated AFFF into their fire suppression strategies. 

• Power Plants: Some power generation facilities that utilize large fuel reserves may have also employed AFFF as part of their fire response protocols. 

• Maritime Shipping Hubs: Ports and harbors that handle fuel and other flammable liquids for shipping and transport may have also used AFFF in their fire safety measures. 

The persistent nature of PFAS in these industrial environments has led to concerns about long-term contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water in and around these facilities, prompting ongoing investigation and cleanup efforts in many areas. 

Other Potential Locations and Legal Considerations: 

While military bases, airports, and industrial sites were the primary users of AFFF, other locations, such as local fire departments and emergency response teams, may have also utilized the foam. Understanding these potential exposure sites is crucial for assessing legal risks and pursuing appropriate compensation. 

Why Understanding These Locations Matters for Legal Action: 

Recognizing common AFFF usage locations is a critical step in assessing potential exposure risks and pursuing legal claims. Individuals who have lived or worked near these sites may have unknowingly encountered PFAS contamination. 

This knowledge supports environmental impact assessments, legal considerations, and public health initiatives. 

 AFFF was extensively used across critical sectors, contributing to widespread PFAS contamination. Individuals with a history of living or working near these locations may have experienced potential exposure to these “forever chemicals.” 

If you believe you may have been exposed to AFFF and have developed health concerns or have questions about your potential legal options, contact our firm for guidance and take action to protect your health and your rights. 

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