Williams Holdings was a major AFFF manufacturer that acquired several companies in the fire protection industry. Founded in 1982, Williams Holdings specialized in fire protection, building products, and security products. The company was a major British conglomerate listed on the London Stock Exchange and was a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
Nigel Rudd and Brian McGowan founded Williams Holdings in Derby in 1982 with a strategy of acquiring struggling companies. In 1988, the company purchased Pilgrim House, which owned Kidde Fire Fighting, followed by the acquisition of Yale & Valor in 1991, a business specializing in locks and gas fires. Following these purchases, Williams Holdings shifted its focus toward security operations. The company made a major acquisition in 1997 when it bought Chubb Security for $2.1 billion.
By summer 2000, Williams Holdings had split into two separate entities: Chubb and Kidde. The original company no longer exists, having been succeeded by Chubb Fire and Kidde Fire Fighting.
Williams Holdings manufactured AFFF, a fire suppressant containing PFAS, a group of substances known as "forever chemicals." Since the 1960s, civilian and military firefighters nationwide have regularly used this firefighting foam to extinguish hydrocarbon fires, which has caused toxic exposure.
Each use of AFFF releases tremendous amounts of PFAS into the environment, and firefighters face exposure to these chemicals even when wearing protective gear. PFAS are also present in firefighting equipment itself, creating additional health threats as the gear deteriorates over time.
These chemicals earned their "forever chemicals" designation because some PFAS substances take over a thousand years to break down in the environment, creating ongoing toxic exposure for those living on or near contaminated sites. Out of all PFAS chemicals, PFOS and PFOA are classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Firefighters at highest risk worked in firefighting training areas, aircraft crash sites, military airport hangars, and commercial airports. Many firefighters and military personnel developed serious diseases years or decades after exposure to AFFF, including:
If you were exposed to AFFF and now struggle with a severe disease, we encourage you to reach out to us. Atraxia Law brings extensive experience in handling toxic exposure cases and can provide the support you need.
We will determine if you are eligible to file a claim for AFFF exposure and promptly connect you with a specialized attorney. Your involvement in the process will be minimal, so you can continue focusing on your health and treatment.
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