PFAS Exposure

Exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals has been linked to various potentially life-threatening illnesses, including multiple types of cancer. Sadly, firefighters often encounter PFAS more regularly on the job and face greater risks as a result.

If you were exposed to PFAS as a firefighter and later diagnosed with cancer, you may qualify for compensation from a PFAS lawsuit.

The Link Between PFAS Firefighting Foam & Cancer

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of 12,000 synthetic chemicals that persist in the body and environment for long periods, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Exposure to PFAS forever chemicals may cause various potentially serious health issues, including multiple types of cancer, especially after prolonged exposure.

Firefighters face higher risks of PFAS exposure because they may encounter these toxic chemicals more regularly on the job, like through firefighting foam and other occupational risks.

For decades, PFAS-containing firefighting foams have been used to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids and fuels. When these foams are used, PFAS can be released into the air and environment, potentially exposing firefighters in the process.

Even volunteer firefighters, who make up over 65% of the firefighting workforce, may be at greater risk of exposure to dangerous forever chemicals.

If you or a loved one worked as a firefighter and was later diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit. Get a free case review now to find out if you’re eligible.

Firefighting Foam Exposure on Job Sites

Several different industries heavily relied on firefighting foam for decades. The largest consumers were the military, airports, and fuel companies — not necessarily local fire departments.

Firefighting foam was used in:

• The U.S. Military: According to the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), the military uses 75% of all firefighting foam, with all other industries using the remaining 25%. The foam was used to put out aircraft and hangar fires and was also a staple of firefighting exercises until the mid-1990s. Today, the military still has huge stockpiles of firefighting foam.
• Airports: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has required that airports use firefighting foam since the 1970s. Firefighting foam was specifically used because water is not as effective on fires started by jet fuel.
• Fuel Industries: Firefighting foam was a necessity for those working on fuel tank farms and refineries, as PFAS are particularly effective in fighting oil-based fires.

Anyone working on or near these sites could be at risk if they are directly exposed to the firefighting foam or unknowingly consume water polluted by it.

“What is now known is that a single exposure to toxic AFFF by firefighters generally results in PFAS entering the body through inhalation or absorption. Furthermore, the toxin remains in the body for years.”
– International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

In addition, those who lived near a military base, airport, or fuel farm may also be in danger if PFAS from the firefighting foam contaminated a nearby water source.

PFAS Health Effects

Firefighters who work with PFAS chemicals may be more likely to develop serious and potentially fatal health issues, including multiple types of cancer.

The health effects of PFAS exposure may include:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Renal or kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer or disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Uterine or endometrial cancer

If you worked as a firefighter, used AFFF, and were diagnosed with one of the above illnesses, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from a PFAS firefighter lawsuit.

Get Help Seeking Justice for PFAS Exposure

A firefighting foam cancer lawsuit is a way for affected firefighters to hold negligent AFFF manufacturers liable and make their voices heard.

AFFF Claim Center works with top PFAS exposure lawyers who have secured billions of dollars for victims of injustice nationwide.

Our legal partners can help PFAS cancer victims in all 50 states and never charge any upfront or out-of-pocket fees.

Contact our team at (888) 814-5657 right now or fill out our online form to take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.