Firefighters Have Had Prolonged Exposure To Carcinogens In Aqueous Film Forming Foam

Deadly PFAS chemicals may bioaccumulate in the body and cause cancer

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a critical firefighting tool utilized extensively by military personnel and firefighters since the 1970s, has recently come under scrutiny due to its association with health risks, particularly cancer. Thousands of firefighters have developed kidney, prostate, testicular, bladder, thyroid, or liver cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia after persistent exposure to AFFF foam. They have filed Aqueous Film Forming Foam lawsuits seeking lump sum compensation from 3M, DuPont, and dozens of others responsible for producing the chemical. The deadly toxins underlying these concerns are the per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of manmade chemicals known for their effectiveness in controlling chemical fires. While PFAS has played a crucial role in mitigating hazardous situations, their adverse effects on human health have raised significant alarms. PFAS, found in various formulations of AFFF, have been identified as potential carcinogens, linking their exposure to an increased risk of cancer in humans. Over the past five decades, countless servicemembers and firefighters have encountered PFAS during their duties, leading to inadvertent exposure. This prolonged and repeated exposure has created a concerning scenario where individuals in these professions face an elevated risk of developing life-threatening forms of cancer directly attributable to AFFF. The acknowledgment of the cancer-causing potential of PFAS in AFFF has sparked a reevaluation of its usage, prompting concerns about the long-term health impacts on those who have been consistently exposed. Firefighters, in particular, face a unique occupational hazard as they routinely encounter chemical fires that necessitate the use of AFFF. Military personnel, too, are at risk due to the widespread use of AFFF in training exercises, emergency response situations, and the management of incidents involving hazardous materials. The concerning aspect of PFAS lies in its persistent nature, both in the environment and the human body. These chemicals do not readily break down, leading to bioaccumulation over time. As a result, individuals exposed to AFFF with PFAS may find themselves harboring these substances in their bodies, potentially leading to the development of various cancers. The types of cancer associated with PFAS exposure include but are not limited to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer, among others.

The magnitude of the issue becomes evident when considering the widespread use of AFFF containing PFAS across different branches of the military and various firefighting agencies. The cumulative exposure of individuals over the years has contributed to a growing pool of individuals at risk for AFFF cancer. Moreover, the latency period between exposure and the manifestation of cancer symptoms further complicates the situation, making it challenging to link the disease definitively to AFFF exposure in some cases. In response to these concerns, there have been calls for stricter regulations, improved safety protocols, and the development of alternative firefighting technologies that do not pose similar health risks. Additionally, there is an increasing emphasis on providing healthcare and support to individuals in high-risk professions who may have been exposed to PFAS.

Information provided by AFFFLawsuitCenter.com, a website devoted to providing news about AFFF and PFAS cancer, lymphoma and leukaemia claims, including a free no-cost, no-obligation AFFF Lawsuit Claim.