States Consider Banning The Use Of Firefighting Foam

Firefighting foam is made from forever chemicals that cause firefighter cancer and pollute the environment

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - Firefighters are modern-day heroes, bravely confronting life-threatening situations to protect lives and property. However, their valiant efforts come at a significant cost - an alarming increase in cancer rates among firefighters. One major contributor to this epidemic is the use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent containing harmful chemicals. AFFF has long been associated with various types of cancer and has a long-lasting detrimental environmental impact. Thousands of firefighters have developed cancer and have initiated firefighter cancer lawsuits against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers of the deadly chemical. Testicular cancer is among the most prevalent forms of the disease firefighters have reported. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam widely used due to its effectiveness in suppressing flammable liquid fires like hard-to-extinguish petroleum and jet fuel fires. AFFF is so effective in that regard that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates its use. AFFF consists of a mixture of fluorosurfactants, fluoropolymers, hydrocarbon surfactants, solvents, and water. The key components responsible for its fire-suppressing properties are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFAS are synthetic chemicals known for their durability and resistance to heat, water, and oil. These properties make them effective in AFFF for creating a stable film on the surface of the fire, depriving it of oxygen and extinguishing it. However, the same attributes that make PFAS useful in firefighting also make them persistent environmental pollutants and health hazards.

AFFF lawsuits have caused lawmakers to sit up and take notice about the environmental and health damage the product is causing and legislation is pending in many states. The US state of Iowa has presented a bill designed to ban the use of AFFF at firefighting stations, airports, and other public places where the chemical is routinely used. According to AboutLawsuits.com, " An Iowa Senate bill proposed earlier this month seeks to ban the use of firefighting foam products containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in that state, due to the risks of water contamination and cancer linked to the toxic chemicals. The bill, Senate File 2229, was introduced on February 6, and would prohibit fire departments, municipalities, and county airports from purchasing or otherwise acquiring aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing so-called "forever chemicals" after January 1, 2026."

Exposure to AFFF poses significant health risks to firefighters, particularly due to the presence of PFAS. Studies have shown a direct correlation between firefighting activities involving AFFF and increased cancer rates among firefighters. PFAS compounds have been linked to various types of cancer, including prostate, testicular, kidney, liver, and breast cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Firefighters are exposed to AFFF through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion during firefighting operations and training exercises. Prolonged exposure to PFAS increases the risk of developing cancer and other adverse health effects. Furthermore, firefighters face additional challenges due to the frequent and repeated use of AFFF, leading to cumulative exposure over their careers.

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.