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AFFF Lawsuit Facts
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Lymphoma is among the potential health risks of exposure to PFAS-containing AFFF firefighting foam.
Researchers have found that exposure to AFFF firefighting foam leads to an increased risk of lymphoma.
A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked exposure to PFAS to an increased risk for lymphoma.
In the study, scientists observed a notably elevated risk of lymphoma, prostate cancer, and various other cancer types following exposure to PFAS, a common component of AFFF foam.
The investigation centered on the incidence of cancer diagnoses within a New Hampshire town where residents had experienced substantial PFAS exposure through contaminated drinking water.
PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam and Effects on Human Health
Chemical manufacturers and the U.S. Navy, who first approved AFFF firefighting foam for use, knew about its toxic effects for decades.
Urged by the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense finally submitted an official warning stating that the dangerous chemicals in AFFF present an increased risk for serious health problems and environmental contamination.
In a number of research studies, PFAS have been linked to an increased risk for cancer and other serious health problems.
With the number of chemicals used in firefighting foam, the health impacts of them are widespread.
The health of airport firefighters, military firefighters, chemical plant workers, and workers who transport and manufacture firefighting foam is especially at risk.
Studies on the links between AFFF exposure and health problems include the following:
- A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a statistically significant association between PFOA exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
- Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found a positive association between PFOS exposure and breast cancer.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as a possible carcinogen, and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a health advisory for PFOA and PFOS, stating that long-term exposure to these chemicals above certain levels could be harmful to human health.
- Researchers at National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Australia) found that firefighters were more likely to have fluorinated surfactants in their bloodstream.
- Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley studied the carcinogenic effects of PFAS on women firefighters and office workers, finding that firefighters who reported using firefighting foam in the past year had higher levels of several PFAS in their body compared to those who did not.
Other Potential Health Risks of AFFF Exposure
As mentioned previously, AFFF exposure has been linked to an increased risk for cancer diagnosis and other health problems.
Cancers that have been associated with PFAS chemicals include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Other health problems associated with PFAS chemicals include:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Small decreases in infant birth weights
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
