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AFFF Lawsuit Facts
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As the amount of toxic firefighting foam cancer lawsuits grows, more studies that reveal its catastrophic outcome are emerging.
Of the many cancer types associated with AFFF exposure, thyroid cancer has been linked to PFAS chemicals.
Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland, which is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
The thyroid gland regulates various metabolic processes by producing thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones.
Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid gland undergo abnormal changes and begin to grow uncontrollably.
These cancerous cells can form a lump or nodule within the thyroid.
In some cases, these cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis.
If you or a loved one were exposed to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) and subsequently developed cancer, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.
Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file an AFFF Lawsuit instantly.
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 has been linked to an increased risk for cancer and other serious health problems.
With the 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 the 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 bodies compared to those who did not.
Health risks associated with exposure to PFAS containing firefighting foam include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- 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
