Firefighters and military personnel are some of the most courageous individuals, putting their lives on the line every day to protect others. However, there is a hidden danger they often face—one that can take years to reveal itself: cancer. Recent studies have uncovered a concerning connection between cancer and exposure to toxic chemicals found in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam used to extinguish hazardous liquid fires.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), chemicals present in AFFF, are known to linger in the human body and the environment. For years, these substances have been used without enough regard for their harmful effects. Now, firefighters, military members, and even nearby residents are facing serious health risks, particularly from cancers like kidney, testicular, thyroid, and liver cancer. This exposure is not only a tragic reality—it’s one that can be legally addressed.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after working with AFFF or living near areas contaminated by PFAS chemicals, there may be legal options available to you. At The Downs Law Group, we have the expertise to help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your potential case.
What is AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam)?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, or AFFF, is a specialized firefighting foam used to suppress flammable liquid fires, such as those caused by fuel or chemicals. It is highly effective in fighting fires in situations where water alone is insufficient, such as at airports, military bases, industrial sites, and oil refineries. When applied to a fire, AFFF forms a barrier that smothers the flames, reducing the oxygen supply and effectively extinguishing the fire.
However, while AFFF has proven essential for fighting high-risk fires, it contains a toxic class of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are designed to resist heat, water, and oil, which makes them ideal for firefighting applications. But PFAS are also extremely persistent in the environment and human body, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." Over time, exposure to PFAS can lead to severe health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, and more.
Beyond firefighting, AFFF is also used in military training exercises, where large quantities of foam are discharged in simulated fire scenarios. Additionally, airports, fuel storage facilities, and chemical plants have used AFFF for decades to manage potential hazardous material fires. It’s not just firefighters who are at risk—military personnel, airport workers, and residents living near contaminated areas are also exposed to these harmful chemicals.
If you’ve been exposed to AFFF or PFAS in your work or daily life, it’s important to understand the potential health risks. Learn how your exposure to AFFF may have put you at risk for serious health conditions. Call The Downs Law Group today.
PFAS Exposure and Cancer Risks in Firefighters
The dangers of PFAS exposure for firefighters are becoming more apparent as studies continue to reveal the connection between these harmful chemicals and a variety of cancers. Firefighting foam (AFFF), used to combat flammable liquid fires, is a major source of PFAS exposure.
The Cancer Risks of PFAS
Research has increasingly linked PFAS chemicals to a range of serious health conditions, particularly cancers. f you’ve been diagnosed with any of the cancers discussed below and have a history of working with AFFF, or living near military bases where contamination occurred, you may have a case for compensation.
The Four Primary Cancers Linked to PFAS Exposure:
- Kidney Cancer
PFAS chemicals have been shown to accumulate in the kidneys over time. As the body stores these chemicals, they disrupt normal kidney function and increase the likelihood of developing kidney cancer. Research has indicated a significantly higher rate of kidney cancer in firefighters and military personnel who were exposed to AFFF regularly. - Testicular Cancer
Studies have found a disturbing connection between PFAS exposure and testicular cancer. These chemicals are known to disrupt hormonal systems in the body, which may contribute to the development of testicular cancer, especially among those with long-term exposure to firefighting foam. Military personnel and firefighters face higher risks because of their continuous exposure to AFFF during their careers. - Thyroid Cancer
PFAS chemicals also target the thyroid, a small but critical gland that regulates metabolism. When PFAS accumulates in the body, it can disrupt thyroid function and potentially lead to thyroid cancer. Researchers have noted elevated rates of thyroid cancer in people who were frequently exposed to AFFF, particularly in areas like military bases and firehouses. - Liver Cancer
The liver is another organ that absorbs PFAS chemicals, and prolonged exposure has been associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. The liver's role in filtering toxins makes it especially vulnerable to PFAS buildup, which can lead to liver disease and cancer over time. Many studies on PFAS exposure have shown a link between this toxic chemical and liver health issues, including cancer.
These cancers have been found at higher rates among firefighters, both active and retired, who are regularly exposed to AFFF foam. This is especially troubling given that PFAS chemicals do not break down easily in the body, leading to long-term accumulation.
Cumulative Exposure in Firefighting
Firefighters face the highest risks due to their frequent exposure to PFAS in the line of duty. Not only do they come into direct contact with AFFF foam, but they also breathe in vapors from the foam and fire itself. The foam is often used in large quantities, leading to skin absorption and inhalation of toxic chemicals during firefighting operations. Over time, this repeated exposure significantly increases the risk of developing cancer.
Long-Term Exposure and Increased Risk
As many firefighters work in the field for decades, their cumulative exposure to PFAS is a significant concern. Long-term exposure increases the chances of developing various cancers linked to PFAS, especially when combined with other harmful substances commonly encountered during firefighting, such as smoke and toxic gases.
Firefighter Cancer Diagnoses on the Rise
The rates of firefighter cancer diagnoses have been steadily increasing, with many studies now confirming that those who spent years in active service are more likely to develop these life-threatening conditions. This trend has sparked growing concern within the firefighting community, leading to calls for more research and accountability from manufacturers of AFFF and other PFAS-containing products.
If you’re a firefighter who has been diagnosed with cancer, don’t wait. The Downs Law Group can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.
The Environmental Impact: PFAS in Military and Residential Communities
PFAS contamination doesn’t just affect firefighters—it has spread into the environment, causing significant health concerns for military personnel, veterans, and nearby residents. At military bases, AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) was commonly used to fight fires, but its long-lasting toxic chemicals have leached into the environment, contaminating water supplies and soil, with devastating consequences.
PFAS in Military Bases: A Hidden Danger
Military bases across the country are among the hardest-hit areas when it comes to PFAS contamination. AFFF was used extensively in training exercises, firefighting operations, and emergency response drills. Unfortunately, the toxic chemicals in the foam didn’t just disappear after the fires were put out—they soaked into the ground and seeped into nearby water sources.
Impact on Water Supplies
As a result, military families and veterans who lived on or near these bases were unknowingly exposed to contaminated drinking water for years. The chemicals from the foam leached into groundwater supplies, which were then pumped into homes, schools, and businesses. This led to widespread contamination of both well water and municipal water systems, affecting entire communities. For those exposed to PFAS in drinking water, the health risks have been profound.
Examples of Affected Areas
Some military bases and surrounding towns have been hit particularly hard by PFAS contamination. High-profile examples include:
- Camp Lejeune: Known for its widespread toxic water exposure, Camp Lejeune has been linked to multiple cancers, birth defects, and other health conditions in those who lived or worked there, both on base and in nearby residential communities.
- Other Navy Bases: Numerous other military facilities, such as Navy bases along the Gulf Coast and on the West Coast, have also been sources of contamination, affecting surrounding communities.
- Air Force Bases: Similarly, Air Force bases have been major sites of AFFF usage, and the effects of PFAS exposure have spread to nearby neighborhoods.
See more information on other U.S. Military Bases The Downs Law Group is currently handling PFAS Lawsuits in.
See more information on The Downs Law Group's Firefighter PFAS Lawsuit.
Residents and Military Personnel Face Risks
Military personnel who worked with or around AFFF, as well as civilians who lived near the bases, are now facing serious health risks due to their exposure to PFAS. Long-term contact with contaminated water and soil can lead to numerous health conditions, including cancer, liver damage, thyroid issues, and developmental problems in children.
The ripple effect of PFAS contamination is not limited to just those who worked directly with the foam. Families who lived on military bases or in nearby areas are equally at risk, as water systems, soil, and even air quality were tainted by the chemicals.
If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS on a military base or nearby area, you deserve answers. A toxic exposure lawsuit can help you seek justice and compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Seeking Justice for PFAS Exposure
If you or a loved one have been exposed to AFFF or PFAS chemicals, whether through your work as a firefighter, military personnel, or as a resident near contaminated areas, the impact on your health could be profound, including an increased risk of cancer and other serious conditions. At The Downs Law Group, we understand the gravity of PFAS exposure and are dedicated to helping victims seek justice and compensation for their suffering. With years of experience handling toxic exposure lawsuits, our team is here to guide you through the legal process every step of the way, ensuring you receive the support you need.
Take action today. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or other health issues linked to PFAS exposure, don’t wait—reach out to us for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Trust The Downs Law Group to be your ally in the fight for justice.
Call us now to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your PFAS-related injuries.