AFFF Exposure in the U.S. Air Force: What Veterans Need to Know
For decades, U.S. Air Force personnel trained and served with honor, protecting lives and safeguarding national security. Yet many were unknowingly exposed to a hidden danger during their service: Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). This foam, widely used across Air Force bases to suppress jet fuel and chemical fires, contains toxic compounds known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
Today, thousands of veterans and their families are grappling with the devastating health consequences of AFFF exposure, including cancers and chronic diseases. If you or a loved one served in the Air Force and later developed one of the illnesses linked to PFAS, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through an AFFF lawsuit.
At Keefe Law Firm, we represent service members and veterans nationwide, holding manufacturers accountable for knowingly distributing dangerous products without warning those who used them.
The Role of AFFF in the Air Force
Since the 1960s, AFFF has been a cornerstone of fire protection in the Air Force. Designed to quickly smother high-temperature fuel fires, AFFF was considered indispensable for protecting aircraft, hangars, and personnel.
Air Force personnel were exposed in numerous ways, including:
- Firefighting and Crash Rescue Units – Air Force firefighters used AFFF in real emergencies, crash drills, and daily training.
- Aircraft Hangars and Runways – AFFF was deployed through suppression systems in hangars and during routine maintenance exercises.
- Base Training Facilities – Cadets and trainees participated in repeated live-fire exercises, releasing large volumes of foam into the environment.
- Contaminated Base Water Supplies – At many installations, PFAS from AFFF runoff seeped into groundwater and drinking water systems, exposing not only service members but also their families.
Why AFFF is Dangerous
The toxic chemicals in AFFF, known as PFAS, are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade easily. Once released, they accumulate in soil, groundwater, and even the human body.
Air Force members who inhaled, ingested, or came into skin contact with AFFF are now at risk of severe long-term health effects. Unlike traditional risks of service, this exposure was preventable — if only manufacturers had disclosed the dangers.
Health Conditions Linked to AFFF Exposure
Scientific studies and government research have connected PFAS exposure to a range of serious illnesses. Air Force veterans exposed to AFFF may face:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Thyroid cancer and thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Prostate cancer
These conditions are among those being actively litigated in the ongoing AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Air Force Bases With Documented PFAS Contamination
The Department of Defense has acknowledged PFAS contamination at hundreds of military bases nationwide, including dozens of Air Force installations. Some of the most affected include:
- Peterson Air Force Base (Colorado)
- Cannon Air Force Base (New Mexico)
- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (New Jersey)
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Ohio)
- Pease Air National Guard Base (New Hampshire)
Communities near these bases have reported groundwater contamination, and service members stationed there often had no idea their daily activities exposed them to dangerous chemicals.
Legal Action: The AFFF Lawsuit and MDL
Thousands of lawsuits against the manufacturers of AFFF have been consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the District of South Carolina. As of mid-2025, more than 10,000 cases are pending, with the first bellwether trial having been scheduled for October 2025 and now pending rescheduling.
Key points for Air Force veterans:
- Eligibility: If you were exposed to AFFF and later developed one of the recognized cancers or illnesses, you may qualify.
- No Cost to File: Reputable firms like Keefe Law Firm handle these claims on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
- Scope of Claims: Lawsuits seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, future monitoring.
What Air Force Veterans Should Do Now
If you believe you were exposed to AFFF during your service, here are critical steps to take:
- Gather Your Records – Collect service records showing your base assignments, occupational duties, and any firefighting or maintenance activities.
- Obtain a Medical Diagnosis – Documentation of your illness is essential for building a strong claim.
- Document Your Exposure – If possible, note training exercises, crash response duties, or base-specific contamination reports.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney – Working with a law firm experienced in AFFF lawsuits ensures your claim is properly filed and supported.
Keefe Law Firm’s Commitment to Veterans
At Keefe Law Firm, we understand the unique sacrifices of Air Force veterans and their families. We are actively representing service members in the AFFF MDL, and our mission is clear:
- Hold manufacturers accountable for hiding the dangers of PFAS.
- Recover compensation for veterans facing life-changing illnesses.
- Protect future generations by fighting for justice and environmental accountability.
We view every client as more than a case number. Our attorneys work with compassion, dedication, and the resources needed to pursue justice against some of the largest corporations in the world.
Taking the Next Step
Air Force veterans who have developed cancer or chronic illness after exposure to AFFF deserve answers — and compensation. The lawsuits currently underway represent a historic opportunity to hold chemical companies responsible for decades of negligence.
Contact Keefe Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. Our attorneys will review your service history, medical records, and potential claim. You served our country; now let us serve you in the fight for justice.