While there are many risks associated with becoming a firefighter, one unexpected risk has surfaced in recent years. The chemical known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been connected to major health issues, including cancer. The medical and scientific communities are concerned about the long-term effects of AFFF exposure, notwithstanding the inherent risks associated with firefighting.
This article examines how firefighters’ risk of cancer is greatly increased by AFFF exposure.
Understanding AFFF and Its Use in Firefighting
A specific foam called AFFF is used to put out flames that are fuel-based, such as those that include oil or gasoline. It stops the fire from living by building a wall that divides the fuel from the oxygen. AFFF has been an essential tool in the fight against fire for a long time. This is especially true in sectors like aviation, chemical plants, and military activities where flammable liquid fires frequently occur.
Due to its ability to combat aviation fires, many organizations worldwide require firefighting foam containing perfluorocarbons (PFAS). However, everyone is aware of its negative repercussions now. As a result, the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration have collaborated on research programs to evaluate substitute goods like fluorine-free foam.
The chemical makeup of AFFF is what gives it its special effectiveness. PFAS aids in the formation of a long-lasting coating on the surface of burning fuel. However, these substances are not only very persistent in the environment but also resistant to heat and oil. Since they are difficult to decompose after discharge, they are known as “forever chemicals.”
PFAS: The Silent Threat
The main problem with AFFF is that it contains PFAS. PFAS are man-made compounds with a strong resistance to deterioration. This gives them an advantage in combating flames, but it also puts human health at serious risk. Over time, PFAS can build up in the body, where they have been shown to interfere with regular biological processes.
Long-term exposure to PFAS has been related in studies to several cancers, including kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer. Firefighters are particularly vulnerable to PFAS contamination due to their frequent exposure to AFFF during training and actual firefighting. Their bloodstream may have higher amounts of PFAS as a result of this exposure over time.
It is due to this PFAS threat that many firefighters are more vulnerable to different types of cancers through AFFF exposure. According to TorHoerman Law, some of the cancers associated with AFFF and PFAS are:
- Testicular cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Kidney cancer
- Lymphoma
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Pancreatic cancer, etc.
Many firefighters have even filed lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers and the government for not warning them about the health concerns. They allege that the manufacturers neglected their health to make profits and want to hold them accountable. To ensure efficient processes, a large number of these cases have been combined into multidistrict litigation (MDL).
The latest AFFF lawsuit update is that there are 9,576 cases pending as of September 2024 in this MDL. Attorneys nationwide are still taking on new clients to handle either as part of this MDL or on an individual basis. You may also bring a case if you have cancer or any other health issue after being exposed to AFFF.
Besides AFFF, PFAS can enter the body of human beings through several other mediums. As mentioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can even enter our bodies through drinking water. Additionally, it can enter through foods produced close to PFAS-affected areas, from seafood, and by inhaling in polluted air.
Routes of Exposure for Firefighters
There are several ways that firefighters are exposed to AFFF. They come into direct touch with the foam during active firefighting operations, which they might inhale or absorb via their skin. Although wearing protective clothing might lessen exposure, it cannot totally remove the danger, particularly in hot situations where the gear may break down.
During training exercises, firefighters are frequently exposed to AFFF in addition to direct contact. Several fire departments use AFFF in their routine training to mimic actual firefighting situations. Even in regulated settings, these frequent exposures add to the build-up of PFAS in their systems.
AFFF frequently leaks into nearby water supplies or seeps into groundwater when it is employed. It is possible for firefighters who use or drink this tainted water to unintentionally consume PFAS. Research has revealed that firemen have higher blood levels of PFAS than the general population, highlighting how widespread this exposure is.
Food cultivated at fire stations was another source that was previously unknown. Based on average values obtained from research, 82% of the total amount of PFAS that firefighters consume comes from food. The remaining 15% are absorbed through the skin and accidental consumption of PFAS in dust.
The Cancer Connection
The relationship between firefighters’ cancer and AFFF exposure has been the subject of several investigations. Certain PFAS compounds have been identified as potential carcinogens by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Studies have also shown that some malignancies, notably those involving the kidneys, liver, testicles, and pancreas, are more common among firefighters.
Research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that firefighters had a greater risk of cancer than the general population. Occupational cancer was one of the major subjects discussed at the 2022 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control. The study found that firefighters had a 14% increased risk of dying from cancer and a 9% increased risk of contracting the illness.
The exact biological reasons underlying this elevated cancer risk are still being investigated. However, scientists think that PFAS may disrupt the immunological and hormonal systems of the body. These substances have the ability to attach to blood proteins and build up in important organs, causing cellular damage that eventually causes cancer.
Long-Term Impact on Health
Exposure to PFAS has more health dangers than only cancer. In addition to these major illnesses, firefighters exposed to AFFF may have immune system suppression, thyroid dysfunction, and liver damage.
It has been demonstrated that PFAS can change cholesterol levels, cause problems with reproduction, and impact the development of the fetus in pregnant women. Besides affecting the fetus, PFAS can also affect pregnant women in the form of preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension. These concerns may intensify for firefighters who have been exposed for an extended period of time.
The latency period for cancer and other disorders linked to PFAS makes this scenario even more worrisome. It might take years, or even decades, for symptoms to manifest, making it challenging to identify the illness’s origin. It’s possible for firefighters who were exposed to AFFF early in their careers to develop health problems long later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AFFF exposure cause prostate cancer?
When AFFF exposure is the cause, the latency period for prostate cancer is 15 years. However, for aggressive cancer forms, this time may be shortened. Regrettably, benign prostatic hyperplasia and other non-cancerous diseases of the prostate are sometimes mistaken for prostate cancer, which results in delayed or incorrect diagnosis.
What happens after being exposed to AFFF?
Respiratory issues, including breathing difficulties, persistent coughing and wheezing, and chest pains, can be brought on by AFFF exposure. When people come into contact with AFFF firefighting foam or eat or drink food or water polluted with AFFF, they may experience gastrointestinal problems.
Are PFAS present in firefighting gear?
Yes, some types of PFAS chemicals are present in firefighting gear. Therefore, wear and tear of the firefighting gear can also expose firemen to these hazardous chemicals through skin absorption. Some US states like Massachusetts and Connecticut have even enforced strict regulations on the use of PFAS in firefighting gear.
AFFF has long been a useful weapon in the battle against flammable liquid fires. However, its usage has been questioned in light of its connection to cancer. The extra risk of cancer from PFAS exposure is especially concerning for firemen, who are already subjected to several health hazards at work.
Even though the problem is being addressed, much more must be done to shield firefighters from AFFF’s detrimental consequences. It is hoped that as people become more aware of the hazards, safer alternatives will be used.
