The Air Force Has Used AF Firefighting Foam For Decades Without Warning Firefighters Of The Cancer Connection

Lawsuits are being filed by AFFF cancer victims against the manufacturers of the deadly chemical

Thursday, August 3, 2023 - Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), better known as firefighting foam, has been linked to cancer for those unfortunate US service members who have used the carcinogen to battle petroleum and jet-fuel fires and those who train with it regularly. AFFF cancer lawsuits are being filed against chemical manufacturers 3M, DuPont, and about a dozen others, or are being considered by service members in the Air Force and Naval aviators who work around the chemical. Plaintiffs with AFFF cancer allege simply that the companies knew or had an obligation to know that their product contained PFAS forever chemicals and had the obligation to warn those who worked with the fire suppressant. Recently, Tracy Mitchem, a former Air Force firefighter, filed suit, according to AboutLawsuits.com, alleging that dangerous PFAS forever chemicals in the firefighting foam caused his prostate cancer. PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their exceptional persistence in the environment. These synthetic compounds, widely used in consumer products like non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and firefighting foams, resist degradation, making them resistant to natural processes. Consequently, they accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, posing potential health risks to humans and wildlife. The extended lifespan of PFAS makes its long-term impact on ecosystems and human health a growing concern.

Addressing the challenges associated with these forever chemicals necessitates comprehensive research, regulation, and sustainable alternatives to minimize their harmful effects on servicemembers. There are currently hundreds of air stations used by the armed forces and experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of service members may have been exposed to enough firefighting foam containing PFAS forever chemicals to have developed cancer. Not only are service members' health at risk but also the health of those who live or work on the bases and the surrounding communities who drink tap water that may have been contaminated with AFFF runoff. Exposure to PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals have been associated with an increased risk of several cancers, such as kidney, testicular, prostate, ovarian, breast, and liver cancer. Studies have revealed potential connections between PFAS exposure and the development of these malignancies. However, the precise mechanisms and extent of PFAS's influence on cancer formation remain areas of ongoing research and investigation. As scientists continue to delve into this subject, a comprehensive understanding of PFAS's impact on human health, particularly regarding cancer, will likely emerge, aiding in the development of effective strategies to mitigate these risks. If you have worked as a firefighter or live or work on or near a US military installation, the chances are that your cancer diagnosis stemmed from PFAS chemicals you worked with or the drinking water in your workplace or home. Thousands of people may have died from cancer caused by PFAS chemicals and the survivors can seek to hold the manufacturers of the product financially accountable in a court of law. AFFF cancer lawyers can interview you free of cost to see if you qualify for a lawsuit.

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.