Ground water absorbs toxins from AFFF hurting Louisiana residents.

January 20, 2023

Ground saturation of dangerous chemicals during firefighting activities in Louisiana can cause contamination of groundwater that may affect community drinking water because it is absorbed into the soil and runs into aquifers. Although aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) is effective in extinguishing petroleum and jet fuel fires and is widely used in the oil industry surrounding Louisiana, it can be toxic to the collection of groundwater. Aquifers are the body of rock and/or sediment that holds groundwater which is the precipitation that has infiltrated the soil beyond the surface and is collected in empty spaces underground. Residents, petroleum workers, plant workers, and firefighters may be exposed to AFFF toxins in higher amounts, and for prolonged periods of time compared to other U.S. Communities resulting in common cancers that include kidney, testicular, and pancreatic cancer from primary exposure and in drinking water.

Groundwater compromised.

Despite the decrease, or cessation of AFFF firefighting foam use, which has been banned in many states, and its phasing out of military use, the harmful effects and health risks remain due to previous high-level use and the inability of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) chemicals to break down in the environment, or in an individual’s body. Lawyers at Stag Liuzza can build a case to secure damage awards utilizing legal remedies against harmful illnesses when proven exposure from groundwater may be the cause.

Cancer.

The five most common forms of cancer from Louisiana data sets reveals it as frequent for prostate, breast, lung, colon, and kidney. About one in three people are diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life, and about one in five dies of cancer. Most cancers develop slowly and can appear any time spanning 5 to 40 years after exposure to a carcinogen. Individuals who believe there is a direct relationship between a cancer diagnosis and AFFF, or PFAS exposure may need assistance from experienced environmental lawyers.

Hire a lawyer.

Environmental attorneys understand the responsibility of oil refinery, airports, and manufacturing plants to initiate and make transparent the danger of toxic chemical use, and to complete pre- and post-cleanup activities to lessen toxic exposures in drinking water. When they fail to do this, negligence may be proven to support a claim for illness related to toxic exposure. Attorneys at Stag Liuzza can review a case when illness has been documented and believed to be the result of AFFF exposure, or related PFAS exposure from drinking water.

STAG LIUZZA, LLC

One Canal Place
365 Canal Street
Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130

Ph: 504-593-9600
Fax: 504-593-9601

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