Increasing evidence suggests a potential connection between the widespread use of AFFF firefighting foam and increased cases of cancer among U.S. firefighters. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a commonly used fire suppressant, particularly effective against flammable liquid fires like fuel fires.
However, AFFF contains PFAS, a group of toxic chemicals deemed hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Before exploring PFAS and their uses in AFFF, let’s explore the health issues associated with these persistent and concerning “forever chemicals.”
History of AFFF – The Miracle Foam
The story of AFFF dates back over 80 years to a serendipitous discovery by DuPont chemists who accidentally created a new class of fluorine chemicals known as PFAS.
PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, constitute a group of synthetic chemicals characterized by an incredibly resilient carbon bond, rendering them nearly indestructible. Due to their resistance to degradation, they earned the moniker “forever chemicals.”
Following this unexpected discovery, DuPont incorporated PFAS into their groundbreaking product, “Teflon,” while 3M concurrently introduced its own PFAS chemical, branded as “Scotchgard.”
PFAS serve as a key component in AFFF firefighting foam. The exceptional performance of AFFF led to its mandated use by the Department of Defense in airfields, aircraft hangars, and fueling stations.
The Federal Aviation Administration started using it for all commercial airports, and AFFF gained global acceptance in military and civilian aviation settings.
For years, fire departments utilized AFFF foams, inadvertently exposing firefighters to hazardous concentrations of PFAS. However, approximately a decade after its introduction, researchers began to realize that there was more to uncover.
What Are the Dangers of PFAS in AFFF?
PFAS do not degrade over time owing to their incredibly strong carbon bond; hence, they are highly persistent in both humans and the environment. Their alarming resistance to degradation makes them exceptionally hazardous.
In the 1950s, researchers at 3M discovered that PFAS bind to proteins in human blood, exhibiting prolonged residence within the body. Subsequent animal studies demonstrated the toxicity of PFAS exposure, correlating with kidney and liver problems.
In the 1980s, Air Force-conducted animal studies indicated environmental and health risks linked to PFAS chemicals. Notably, 3M, the initial AFFF manufacturer, did not publicly disclose over 1,000 internal PFAS studies and their outcomes until after deciding to phase out the chemicals.
Due to their remarkable persistence, PFAS can seep into various materials to accumulate within the human body, raising health concerns. Many studies suggest a potential link between exposure to PFAS, Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and various health issues.
According to TorHoerman Law, long-term AFFF exposure may contribute to increased risks of cancer, compromised immune systems, hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, birth defects, elevated risk of cholesterol and thyroid disease, and more.
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and EPA have acknowledged heightened risks of specific cancers associated with PFAS exposure.
Prolonged exposure to AFFF has been associated with increased susceptibility to liver and kidney cancer. The chemicals present in AFFF can accumulate in the kidneys, potentially leading to the formation of tumors in the long term.
As per a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), people with high concentrations of PFOA in their blood are more than twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to those who have low levels of PFOA in their blood.
While many of the long-term effects of PFAS remain unknown, it is evident that these chemicals pose threats to both human health and the environment. Recognizing these risks, the EPA and other American legislative bodies have initiated actions to address the concerns surrounding PFAS.
The AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit: A Much-Needed Intervention
Both the US Federal government and the EPA are actively seeking ways to reduce human exposure to persistent PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”
At the same time, individuals are pursuing legal action against manufacturers of the toxic firefighting foam AFFF due to the known cancer risks that these manufacturers were aware of decades ago.
The core objective behind the firefighter foam lawsuit is to hold accountable the AFFF manufacturers who, despite knowing about the severe long-term health risks posed by the product’s chemicals, continued selling AFFF for decades.
As of November 2023, there were a total of 6,400 pending cases in the AFFF firefighting foam class action lawsuit. The possibility remains for additional states and individuals to file health-related claims against manufacturers like 3M, potentially leading to further multidistrict or individual lawsuits globally.
Looking Forward
In December 2019, Congress mandated the gradual elimination of PFAS from military firefighting foams by 2024. While progress at the federal level appears slow, 15 states have taken proactive measures by either imposing bans or significantly restricting the use of AFFF. Pending legislation in several other states suggests a broader push for regulatory changes.
Ongoing studies are delving into potential connections between these chemicals and various health issues, and recent developments hint at the possibility of researchers uncovering additional links as legal actions unfold.