Founded in the 1980s, Chemguard is a leading manufacturer of fire protection equipment, including Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). The brand is also a major supplier of AFFF for the United States Government. Chemguard currently operates as a subsidiary of Tyco International Ltd. Their popular products include AR-AFFF, which uses a combination of fluoro- and hydrocarbon-surfactant technologies to fight Class B, polar solvent, and hydrocarbon fuel fires.
However, Chemguard is now facing legal complaints because of its AFFF products. Like other major manufacturers, the company stands accused of knowingly selling and distributing AFFF that contains harmful PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
PFAS is a group of over 15,000 chemical compounds known for their properties to resist heat, oil, and stains. While they are crucial components in firefighting foams, recent studies have shown that they can cause more harm than good.
These 'forever chemicals' not only damage the environment but also human health. Prolonged exposure to PFAS can increase the risk of severe health conditions like certain types of cancers. A typical AFFF contains the following PFAS types:
One of the most notable studies examining the impact of PFAS is from the National Cancer Institute. Their findings suggest that exposure to PFOS among military firefighters in the U.S. Air Force can lead to an increased risk of developing testicular cancer.
For their part, Chemguard reported that their AFFF contains 30% and 70% less PFAS compared to other similar products. Its parent company, Tyco, also requested to remove Chemguard from the list of defendants in an AFFF-related lawsuit in New Hanover County. They argued that they were only complying with Wilmington International Airport's requirement to have AFFF with military specifications for fire prevention and mitigation measures. Yet, serious environmental and health concerns related to their AFFF products prevail. This also explains why Chemguard faces dozens of lawsuits from various federal courts, with plaintiffs ranging from states and municipalities to individual firefighters and concerned groups.
In May 2024, Tyco agreed to pay a total of $750 million in settlements to resolve claims from several public water systems that PFAS chemicals from Chemguard firefighting foams contaminated numerous groundwater sources. Additionally, there is an ongoing Multi-District Litigation (MDL) involving AFFF manufacturers such as Chemguard. As of June 2025, the number of claims in the AFFF MDL has reached over 10,000 and is being centralized in a District Court in South Carolina to streamline pre-trial proceedings.
If you are a firefighter struggling with a disease related to AFFF exposure and looking for help, you have come to the right place. With over 35 years of experience, Atraxia Law is here to support firefighters planning to file toxic exposure claims.
We'll review your case, gather the necessary records, and determine if you're eligible for compensation. If you qualify, we will promptly connect you with a specialized attorney to file your claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let our team handle the complex steps, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.
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