Military Firefighters May Soon Receive Government Payout For Cancer Caused By AFFF Exposure
A Bill has been proposed in the US House of Representatives that will compensate military firefighters exposed to AFFF
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - Military servicemembers who have served as firefighters are potentially facing a compelling reason to pursue compensation from the government, seeking substantial financial support in the form of monthly income or lump-sum payments. The issue at hand revolves around the exposure of these service members to harmful chemicals present in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a substance routinely used during training exercises and firefighting operations involving challenging petroleum and jet-fuel fires. The medical concern lies in the composition of AFFF, which contains chemicals known to be carcinogenic. These chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer. According to Forbes.com, repeated AFFF exposure has been linked to Testicular cancer, Prostate cancer, Bladder cancer, Pancreatic cancer, and many others. Military firefighters, through their regular interaction with AFFF, may have unwittingly subjected themselves to these hazardous compounds, resulting in the potential development of cancer over time. Volatile organic compounds and PFAS forever chemicals have strong molecular bonds and take hundreds of years to break down organically into the environment. AFFF can be absorbed through the skin or any mucous membrane and the molecules bioaccumulate to carcinogenic levels over time.
It is imperative to recognize the sacrifices made by military firefighters in the line of duty, facing dangers not only from immediate threats but also from the long-term health consequences of their exposure to AFFF. As the scientific understanding of the link between PFAS and cancer solidifies, the moral obligation to compensate these military firefighters becomes increasingly apparent. Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have proposed a bill that will compensate military firefighters that have been exposed to AFFF. According to Stripes.com, "Two House lawmakers have proposed legislation to compensate military service members who were possibly exposed to cancer or other illnesses from chemicals used in fire retardants. The bill introduced by Reps. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., and Bill Posey, R-Fla., would create a fund to aid fire crew members who were exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals used in firefighting foam." Municipal governments and State Attorney Generals have filed AFFF lawsuits against 3M, DuPont, and about a dozen other manufacturers of firefighting foam.
Compensating military service members extends beyond mere financial restitution; it represents a profound acknowledgment of the inherent risks they willingly embraced in safeguarding lives and property. These brave individuals, who served as firefighters, find themselves grappling with potential health repercussions stemming from their exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). In recognizing and addressing these consequences, not only does the nation exhibit ethical responsibility, but it also underscores a tangible commitment to those who have dutifully served. The act of compensating service members is not a transactional endeavor solely aimed at financial redress; rather, it symbolizes a moral obligation owed to those exposed to the perils of AFFF. By delving into the intricacies of their service-related health challenges, we reveal a narrative that goes beyond immediate dangers, shedding light on the enduring sacrifices made in the line of duty.
OnderLaw, LLC and The Overholt Law Firm, PC -