AFFF, a foam concentrate designed to suppress and extinguish fires, contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, which are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body.
Studies have suggested a link between exposure to the toxic chemicals and various health problems, including ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum, ulcerative colitis can be a debilitating condition.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms can range from mild to severe, including:
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Ulcerative colitis significantly affects an individual’s quality of life and requires ongoing medical treatment.
The auto-immune condition can also lead to severe complications such as colon cancer and an increased risk of blood clots, infections, and kidney stones.
Studies linking exposure to PFAS chemicals and ulcerative colitis include:
- A 2018 study published in the Journal of Environmental Research focused on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a specific type of PFAS, finding a strong association between long-term PFOA exposure and increased risk for ulcerative colitis.
- A 2020 study published in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis linked increased PFAS levels with the late onset of ulcerative colitis. They suggested that PFAS exposure is an environmental risk factor for the disease.
The risk of developing ulcerative colitis increases with exposure to AFFF.
Apart from direct exposure, forever chemicals in the toxic firefighting foam can also enter drinking water, air, and soil.
AFFF can also be released into the environment through improper disposal, potentially leading to contamination of food and other products.
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 warningstating 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, its health impacts 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.
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
