Firefighters are national heroes who risk their lives daily to protect citizens from danger. Ironically, the tools of the trade have been linked with severe health risks. The substance in question is the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). For the uninitiated, AFFF is a firefighting agent renowned for effectively putting out flammable liquid fires.
On the flip side, the foam contains PFAs, which, according to TorHoerman Law, are called forever chemicals because they tend to stay in the environment and human blood infinitely. This has severe health implications, including life-threatening illnesses like cancer. In this article, we will touch upon some of the most severe diseases caused by AFFF.
Testicular Cancer
There is strong evidence connecting AFFF to an increased risk of testicular cancer. There is an ongoing firefighting foam lawsuit based on these findings to hold manufacturers accountable for risking people’s lives. The forever chemicals in AFFF are known to disrupt the endocrine system by interfering with hormones and causing testicular cancer.
There have been reports claiming there’s an increased risk of testicular cancer in firefighters and military personnel who were exposed to the foam. Prevention involves minimizing exposure to AFFF and promoting early detection.
Individuals exposed to the foam should perform regular self-tests and visit the oncologist if they have any abnormalities. Early detection is key as testicular cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed in an initial stage.
Kidney Cancer
PFAS in AFFF are known to accumulate in the kidneys over a period of time and disrupt normal cellular function. This, in turn, can potentially trigger cancerous growth. While the exact reason behind the high risk of kidney cancer caused by AFFF is still being researched, the link between the two is quite evident.
If you are a firefighter or military personnel or live close to a contaminated site, look out for the symptoms of kidney cancer. These include bloody urine, appetite loss, persistent backache, and unexplained weight loss. Just like testicular cancer, kidney cancer can also be treated if detected early. You should file an AFFF lawsuit to deal with the suffering you have gone through because of the cancer.
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension/Preeclampsia
A recent study has revealed that exposure to certain PFAs can lead to gestational hypertension during pregnancy characterized by high BP. It can lead to potential implications for maternal and child health outcomes like premature birth, lower birth weight, and more. The risks associated with PFAS-induced PIH and preeclampsia can be mitigated through early detection and management.
Pregnant women who have been exposed to AFFF must undergo frequent prenatal tests and religiously monitor blood pressure. Moreover, rushing to the nearest hospital is crucial in case of symptoms like a change in vision, sudden swelling, and severe headaches. There’s not much research on the impact of PFAS on pregnancy outcomes, but women of reproductive age must avoid PFAS exposure at all costs to protect maternal and infant health.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease linked to AFFF exposure. The PFAS, or forever chemicals found in firefighting foam, disrupt gut bacteria and trigger abnormal immune responses. This initiates ulcerative colitis, causing ulcers and inflammation in the colon lining.
The disease is characterized by symptoms like persistent diarrhea with blood in it, abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding, and more. The disease can lead to a more severe outcome in the form of colon cancer if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms above, get a colonoscopy and a biopsy immediately.
While there’s no cure for this disease, affected AFFF victims can take steps to manage the condition. The treatment includes avoiding trigger foods, reducing inflammation through medications including immunomodulators, and colon removal in severe cases.
Thyroid Issues
Studies have shown that PFAS in AFFF possibly interferes with thyroid hormone production and function. As is apparent, this disruption can lead to severe thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of illness include drastic weight changes, persistent fatigue, temperature sensitivity, etc.
Hypothyroidism treatment involves synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism requires medications, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy. Thyroid patients must also make lifestyle changes like dietary modifications to keep thyroid conditions in check.
AFFF exposure has left a severely toxic health legacy with a growing mountain of evidence linking it to various life-threatening health risks. Various ongoing lawsuits in US courts demand stronger PFAS regulations and comprehensive support for victims. At this point, continued research and monitoring are the need of the hour to understand the long-term health consequences of AFFF and protect those who are exposed to it in their line of duty.
