Firefighting Foam Exposure Linked to Cancer, Other Major Health Risks
Firefighters, military personnel, and others have fought fuel-based fires with Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) for decades, but its use comes at a significant cost to human health.
AFFF’s severe and long-lasting side effects can alter the lives of firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and others who came in contact with the substance during their work duties or by their exposure to it in the environment.
Many individuals affected by AFFF exposure are now seeking justice through an AFFF Firefighting Foam lawsuit.
If you or a loved one was exposed to AFFF and are experiencing health issues, you're not alone. Lawsuit Legal News is here to provide you with essential information and support. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Table Of Contents
Why is AFFF Firefighting Foam So Toxic?
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called forever chemicals due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. These chemicals can accumulate over time, triggering a multitude of serious health problems.
Short-Term AFFF Side Effects
Immediate reactions to AFFF exposure are less common, but all exposures are hazardous.
Immediate and noticeable reactions to AFFF may include:
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory issues
- Nausea or vomiting
Long-Term AFFF Side Effects
The most concerning aspects of AFFF exposure are the potential long-term health effects. Research has linked PFAS exposure to several serious conditions:
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a significant concern for those exposed to AFFF. The kidneys, which filter the blood, may be particularly vulnerable to PFAS-induced damage.
As these organs process blood, they come into frequent contact with PFAS chemicals, potentially leading to cellular mutations and cancerous growth. A study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found higher rates of kidney cancer among firefighters regularly exposed to AFFF.
Testicular Cancer
While relatively rare in the general population, testicular cancer rates are alarmingly high among those with frequent AFFF exposure. PFAS chemicals may interfere with normal testicular cell function, leading to tumor formation.
Firefighters and military personnel who regularly handle AFFF are at heightened risk, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) noting increased prevalence in these occupations.
Bladder Cancer
The bladder's role in storing and eliminating waste makes it susceptible to PFAS accumulation and subsequent cellular damage. As PFAS-laden urine is stored in the bladder, the organ's lining is repeatedly exposed to these harmful chemicals.
A study in Environmental Health Perspectives suggested a potential link between PFAS exposure and increased bladder cancer risk, particularly among individuals with long-term occupational exposure.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer, already a common concern for men, may be exacerbated by AFFF exposure. PFAS chemicals can disrupt hormone balance and potentially accelerate the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Research published in Environmental Health found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood were associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, particularly aggressive forms of the disease.
Liver Cancer
The liver, our body's primary detoxification organ, bears a significant burden when processing PFAS chemicals. Chronic exposure can lead to liver inflammation and damage, potentially triggering the development of cancerous cells.
The National Toxicology Program has reported evidence of PFAS causing liver tumors in animal studies, raising concerns about similar effects in humans with long-term exposure.
Breast Cancer
While breast cancer is often associated with genetic and hormonal factors, newer research suggests a potential link to PFAS exposure. These chemicals may interfere with hormone regulation, potentially promoting the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells.
Preliminary studies have indicated a possible association between PFAS exposure and breast cancer risk, particularly in occupational settings with high AFFF use.
Leukemia and Lymphoma
Blood cancers have been observed at higher rates among individuals with significant AFFF exposure. PFAS may damage bone marrow and affect white blood cell production, potentially leading to leukemia or lymphoma. Studies have shown elevated rates of these cancers among firefighters and other professionals regularly exposed to AFFF.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer has been observed at higher rates in certain occupational groups with frequent AFFF contact. As PFAS make their way through the digestive system, they may cause DNA damage to cells in the rectum, potentially leading to cancerous growth.
Epidemiological data has shown higher rates of rectal cancer among firefighters and others with regular AFFF exposure.
Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid gland, essential for hormone regulation, may be particularly vulnerable to PFAS-induced damage. PFAS can interfere with thyroid hormone production and regulation, potentially leading to cellular mutations and cancer development.
Some studies have found that PFAS exposure leads to a 56% increased risk of developing thyroid cancer, underscoring the potential danger of long-term AFFF exposure.
Colorectal Cancer
While often associated with dietary and lifestyle factors, colorectal cancer has also been linked to chemical exposures, including PFAS. Higher rates of colorectal cancer have been observed among firefighters and others with frequent AFFF exposure, suggesting a potential link that warrants further investigation.
Endocrine Disruption
PFAS can interfere with hormone production and function, leading to:
- Thyroid Disorders
PFAS exposure has been linked to thyroid dysfunction, which can affect metabolism, energy levels, and overall health.
- Fertility Issues
Both men and women may experience reduced fertility due to PFAS exposure. Studies have shown that PFAS can affect sperm quality and ovarian function.
- Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant women exposed to PFAS may face an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and low birth weight babies.
Immune System Suppression
PFAS from AFFF firefighting foam can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. A study in the Journal of Immunotoxicology found that PFAS exposure was associated with reduced vaccine efficacy and increased susceptibility to certain infections.
Liver Damage
The liver is particularly vulnerable to PFAS accumulation.
Chronic PFAS exposure can lead to:
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Fatty liver disease
- Increased risk of liver fibrosis
Cardiovascular Issues
Research has suggested a potential link between PFAS exposure and cardiovascular problems, including:
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Increased risk of heart disease
Gastrointestinal Problems
Some studies have found associations between PFAS exposure and gastrointestinal issues, including:
- Ulcerative Colitis
A study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found an increased risk of ulcerative colitis among individuals with high PFAS exposure.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Emerging research is exploring the potential connection between PFAS exposure and IBD risk.
Neurological Effects
New, ongoing studies have suggested potential neurological effects of PFAS exposure, including:
- Cognitive decline in older adults
- Neurodevelopmental issues in children exposed prenatally or during early childhood
Seeking Justice: The AFFF Lawsuit
As awareness of AFFF side effects grows, thousands of individuals have filed AFFF Firefighting Foam lawsuits seeking compensation for their injuries. Those affected by AFFF firefighting foam allege the manufacturers knew about the dangers of PFAS in the firefighting foam but failed to warn or develop safer alternatives.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer or other serious health conditions after AFFF exposure, you may file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.
Your Path to Justice Starts Here
Exposure to AFFF can throw the body’s natural defenses and processes into turmoil. It’s an unfair price to pay for doing your job, but there is help.
At Lawsuit Legal News, our network of AFFF attorneys is committed to leveling the playing field between individuals and giant chemical corporations that put countless lives at risk. If you’ve been harmed by AFFF, you need a lawyer with the experience, knowledge, resources, and skill to take on the chemical corporations.
We understand that choosing the right attorney for your AFFF lawsuit is an important decision – one that may impact the rest of your life. We take that responsibility to heart.
Call us today at (866) 535-9515 or fill out our online contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation with a proven AFFF firefighting foam lawyer today.