As sirens wail and flames consume buildings, courageous firefighters charge into the inferno, risking their lives to protect yours. You admire their bravery, but what about the hidden dangers they face long after the blaze is extinguished?
Recent investigations have shed light on the potential health effects of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent widely used to combat flammable liquid fires.
As the smoke clears, disturbing questions arise: Could the very substance designed to save lives silently erode their health? Here are the concerning risks first responders face and the urgent need for further research and awareness.
1. Cancer Risk
In recent years, mounting evidence has linked Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) use to an increased risk of cancer among firefighters. It is touted for its effectiveness in extinguishing flammable liquid fires and contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent and toxic chemicals.
These chemicals have been found to accumulate in firefighters’ bodies and have been detected in their blood, urine, and breast milk.
Disturbingly, studies have identified a strong correlation between AFFF exposure and various types of cancer, including prostate, testicular, kidney, bladder, and breast cancer. The presence of PFAS in AFFF has raised serious concerns among the firefighting community, leading to a surge in AFFF-related lawsuits seeking justice for the affected individuals.
The recent AFFF lawsuit update states that numerous legal battles have unfolded nationwide, with firefighters and their families seeking compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These lawsuits have spotlighted the negligence of chemical manufacturers and firefighting agencies in failing to adequately warn about the potential risks associated with AFFF.
Moreover, as per updates by TorHoerman Law, the lawsuits are still ongoing and are stronger than ever. A total of 4,793 cases, including a mix of personal injury claims and municipal water pollution lawsuits, have been submitted in the litigation as of 16th June. Thus, as the legal proceedings progress, the urgency to address this issue becomes undeniable.
2. Respiratory Health Effects
AFFF contains a mixture of chemicals and surfactants that, when heated or burned, release toxic gases and particulate matter into the air. Firefighters exposed to AFFF-related smoke may inhale these harmful particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger various respiratory health issues.
Studies have shown that Aqueous Film-Forming Foam exposure is linked to respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and reduced lung function among firefighters. The combustion of AFFF chemicals produces PFAS compounds and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate the airways. It can cause inflammation and contribute to the development of respiratory diseases.
According to The Guardian, these PFAS encompass a group of approximately 15,000 chemicals utilized in various industries. It confers resistance to water, stains, and heat in countless products. Also, the chemicals are pervasive and have been associated with cancer, thyroid illness, renal disease, birth deformities, autoimmune disease, and other major health issues at low exposure levels.
Since so many Americans have been impacted, a U.S. regulator has taken unprecedented action to address PFAS water contamination. It directed Virginia’s chemical giant factories to cease releasing dangerous concentrations of harmful PFAS waste into the Ohio River.
The risks are further compounded by the potential for long-term exposure and repeated inhalation of AFFF particles during training exercises and fire suppression efforts. Firefighters face these respiratory hazards not only in the immediate aftermath of firefighting operations but also during regular training sessions where AFFF is utilized to simulate real-life scenarios.
3. Skin and Dermatological Effects
The responder’s skin becomes a frontline defense against not only the searing heat but also the potentially harmful effects of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. While AFFF is designed to suppress fires, protect lives, and save property, its impact on firefighters’ skin should not be overlooked.
Firefighters frequently come into direct contact with AFFF during training exercises and fire suppression operations, exposing their skin to a mixture of chemicals and surfactants. It was evident through a report by Frontier which found elevated PFAS concentrations in the blood serum of firemen.
Turnout gear, aqueous film-forming foam, air, and dust at the fire site and the station are all potential sources of occupational exposure to PFAS. Additionally, it demonstrates the high concentration of PFAS on turnout gear, which can spread to untreated layers and give firefighters cancer. Therefore, these substances can harm the skin, leading to a range of dermatological issues and long-term consequences.
One significant concern is the potential for AFFF chemicals to irritate and sensitize the skin. Prolonged or repeated exposure to AFFF can cause contact dermatitis, resulting in redness, itching, and inflammation. Additionally, the surfactants in AFFF can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to dryness, cracking, and increased vulnerability to other irritants and pathogens.
4. Endocrine Disruption
In the line of duty, firefighters encounter more than just flames and smoke. They also face the insidious threat of endocrine disruption caused by exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences states that the endocrine system consists of multiple glands. These endocrine glands produce hormones that act as signaling molecules when released into the bloodstream. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various biological functions, including normal development, fertility, and reproduction, highlighting the significance of a properly functioning endocrine system.
However, exposure to PFAS chemicals found in AFFF can interfere with this delicate hormonal balance, leading to many health complications. In support of this, studies have associated PFAS exposure with disruptions in thyroid hormone levels, potentially resulting in hypothyroidism or other thyroid disorders.
These chemicals can also interfere with reproductive hormones, raising concerns about their impact on fertility and reproductive health among firefighters. Furthermore, endocrine disruption caused by PFAS may contribute to metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and diabetes.
5. Neurological and Cognitive Effects
Studies have highlighted a worrisome association between PFAS exposure and neurological and cognitive effects among firefighters. These effects include impaired memory and concentration, reduced cognitive function, and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
One of the primary concerns is the impact of PFAS on the blood-brain barrier, a protective barrier that helps regulate the passage of substances into the brain. PFAS chemicals may disrupt the integrity of this barrier, allowing them to enter the brain and potentially interfere with neurological function.
Furthermore, PFAS compounds have been found to accumulate in brain tissue, raising concerns about their potential to cause neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can contribute to neurological damage and cognitive decline.
AFFF’s Impact on First Responders’ Health Has Exposed Hidden Dangers
The unsung heroes who rush into the line of fire to protect us deserve more than your admiration. They deserve your unwavering commitment to their health and well-being. Uncovering the health effects of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) on first responders has shed light on the hidden risks firefighters face long after the flames have subsided.
It is the collective responsibility to take immediate action to safeguard the physical and mental welfare of courageous firefighters.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
