Since the 1940s, man-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) were used in various applications including adhesives and coatings. The United States military began using firefighting foam containing these chemicals in the 1960s. The Environmental Protection Agency linked these substances to health hazards for firefighters and people residing near military bases or other places where the groundwater was contaminated.

Individuals who have suffered health issues and cities with toxins in their drinking water due to firefighting foam are filing lawsuits against the companies that manufacture these chemicals. There are currently over 2,000 lawsuits pending in multidistrict litigation based in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.