AFFF Foam Cancer Types, Risks, and Other Side Effects

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been widely used due to its ability to combat flammable liquid fires, but it also contains potentially dangerous chemicals.

These chemicals, known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are highly resistant to heat, oil, and water, making them effective in firefighting.

However, PFAS—often referred to as “forever chemicals”—have raised concerns due to their persistence in the environment and their potential to cause serious health problems.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expressed concerns about the human health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

These chemicals can contaminate water, air, soil, and even food sources, making their way into the bloodstream of both humans and animals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to PFAS has been associated with a range of health concerns, such as liver damage, thyroid disorders, reproductive health complications, and immune system impairment.

Exposure to PFAS can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, which makes it a substantial risk in environments where AFFF is used.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has highlighted the risks posed by PFAS, noting that animal studies show severe health impacts, including liver and immune system damage, developmental issues, and even neonatal deaths.

Exposure to PFAS-containing firefighting foam has been associated with several types of cancer, including but not limited to:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Lymphoma
• Mesothelioma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer

Human studies have also suggested that high levels of PFAS exposure may lead to:

• Pre-eclampsia (higher risk of high blood pressure) in pregnant women
• Slight reductions in infant birth weights
• Reduced vaccine response in children
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Altered liver enzymes

Although further research is necessary to fully determine the scope of PFAS-related health risks, many health, environmental, and governmental organizations are actively investigating these chemicals.

Efforts to regulate PFAS exposure are also increasing, including the work of the National Firefighter Registry (NFR).

In 2018, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) as part of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act.

This initiative aims to study the connection between firefighters who were regularly exposed to AFFF and the subsequent development of cancer.

Exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) can result in various side effects that impact multiple parts of the body.

These effects may occur shortly after exposure and can range in severity based on an individual’s sensitivity and the duration of contact with the foam.

Skin and Eye Irritation

Direct contact with AFFF can cause irritation to the skin, leading to redness, itching, rashes, and in some cases, chemical burns.

Eye exposure to AFFF can result in irritation, redness, itching, and temporary vision problems.

It is important to avoid prolonged or repeated contact to minimize these risks.

Respiratory Problems and Breathing Difficulties

Inhalation of AFFF or its vapors may irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions could experience more pronounced symptoms or aggravated conditions due to exposure.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Ingesting food or water contaminated by AFFF can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Depending on the level of exposure, these symptoms can be acute or more persistent over time.

Immediate medical attention is recommended for anyone who suspects ingestion of AFFF to prevent potential internal harm.

Neurological Symptoms

Exposure to AFFF can lead to neurological issues in some individuals, such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory difficulties, or trouble with concentration.

These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life, especially if exposure continues over a prolonged period.

In more severe cases, these issues may become chronic and require ongoing medical attention.

It’s important to monitor for these side effects following any potential exposure to AFFF and seek medical advice if symptoms arise.

A growing body of research has linked AFFF exposure to various types of cancer, primarily due to the presence of toxic PFAS chemicals.

These “forever chemicals” have been shown to contribute to the development of cancerous cells in exposed individuals.

Kidney Cancer

AFFF exposure has been associated with a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.

The chemicals in AFFF can accumulate in the kidneys, which over time, may lead to the formation of malignant tumors.

In a study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), individuals with the highest blood concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS, were found to be more than twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to those with lower concentrations.

Bladder Cancer

Prolonged exposure to AFFF may also increase the risk of bladder cancer.

PFAS chemicals can accumulate in the bladder and cause cellular changes that can lead to the growth of cancerous cells.

A study conducted by 3M found higher bladder cancer mortality rates among workers exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), another form of PFAS.

Liver Cancer

Research has suggested a link between AFFF exposure and liver cancer.

The liver, responsible for filtering toxins from the body, can be damaged by the accumulation of PFAS, potentially leading to the development of cancer.

Some animal studies indicate that PFAS exposure can increase the risk of liver issues like fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by disrupting amino acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism in the liver.

Prostate Cancer

PFAS exposure has also been associated with a heightened risk of prostate cancer in males.

While more research is needed to clarify the mechanisms behind this connection, the potential harm posed by PFAS chemicals is clear.

A study found that exposure to these forever chemicals may contribute to the development and progression of prostate cancer in men exposed to AFFF.

Testicular Cancer

There is emerging evidence suggesting a connection between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of testicular cancer.

An ecological study discovered that men living in areas contaminated with PFAS have a greater likelihood of developing testicular cancer, though additional research is needed to confirm this link.

Colorectal Cancer

Exposure to AFFF may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

Ingesting PFAS-contaminated water or food allows these toxic chemicals to build up in the colon, which may contribute to the formation of cancerous cells.

One study demonstrated that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) could promote the invasion of colorectal cancer cells, further supporting the connection between PFAS exposure and this type of cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer

AFFF exposure has been linked to an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer.

The accumulation of PFAS in the pancreas can disrupt its normal function, potentially leading to the development of cancer.

A study published in Carcinogenesis indicated that PFOA exposure may increase the risk of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), contributing to the progression of pancreatic cancer.

Thyroid Cancer

PFAS chemicals found in AFFF have been linked to a higher risk of thyroid cancer.

These chemicals can interfere with the thyroid gland’s hormone production, which may result in the development of cancerous growths.

A study published in the journal Toxics found that PFAS exposure can disrupt thyroid hormone function, leading to cancer through immunosuppression, oxidative damage, and cellular disruption.

Beyond the heightened risk of a cancer diagnosis, exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) can lead to a range of non-cancerous health problems.

These issues can have a large impact on an individual’s health and overall quality of life.

Eye and Skin Issues

The duration and intensity of AFFF exposure can lead to various eye and skin conditions.

Individuals exposed to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam may experience persistent eye irritation, conjunctivitis, and skin reactions such as rashes, itching, or even chemical burns.

With continued exposure, these skin issues can become chronic and lead to ongoing discomfort.

Endocrine Disruption and Hormonal Imbalances

PFAS chemicals present in AFFF can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, disrupting hormone production and regulation.

This disruption may result in hormonal imbalances, fertility challenges, and complications during pregnancy.

Longer periods of exposure increase the likelihood of developing such endocrine-related health concerns.

Liver and Kidney Damage

Prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF can damage the liver and kidneys, which plays a large role in filtering toxins from the body.

Over time, the accumulation of these harmful substances can impair the function of these vital organs, potentially leading to long-term and irreversible health complications if left unaddressed.

Reproductive and Developmental Disorders

There is growing evidence suggesting that AFFF exposure may have a negative impact on reproductive health and development.

Exposure to PFAS has been associated with decreased fertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and developmental challenges in both infants and children.

These health problems may have lasting effects on both mothers and their children.

Immune System Impairment

Exposure to PFAS chemicals found in AFFF can weaken the immune system, leaving individuals more vulnerable to infections and autoimmune diseases.

The degree of immune system impairment often depends on the length and intensity of exposure, with longer periods of contact increasing the risk of compromised immune function.

Recognizing the potential non-cancer health effects emphasizes the need to address AFFF exposure and seek legal guidance for those affected.

Several groups are at a heightened risk of exposure to PFAS chemicals due to their occupations or proximity to locations where AFFF firefighting foam is frequently used.

Military Firefighters and Personnel

The U.S. military, in collaboration with other organizations, helped develop aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in the 1960s.

Since then, AFFF has been used extensively on military bases during firefighting operations and training exercises.

Military firefighters, along with other personnel who have come into contact with AFFF, may face a greater risk of developing cancer and other health issues associated with this exposure.

Firefighters and First Responders

Civilian firefighters and first responders are often exposed to AFFF during firefighting efforts and emergency response situations.

Even with the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols, these individuals are not fully shielded from the risks.

Prolonged exposure to AFFF over time can increase the likelihood of developing serious health problems.

Airport and Industrial Workers

AFFF is commonly employed in airports and various industrial settings to handle fuel-based fires.

Workers in these environments, such as aircraft rescue teams and industrial firefighters, are frequently exposed to the chemicals in AFFF.

These individuals should take all necessary precautions to limit their exposure while on the job.

Communities Near High AFFF Usage Areas

People living near locations with frequent AFFF usage may experience indirect exposure through environmental contamination.

This includes areas surrounding fire training facilities, airports, industrial sites, and chemical plants.

PFAS chemicals from the foam can contaminate the environment by seeping into nearby water sources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, or by being emitted into the air.

By recognizing the potential risks of AFFF exposure, individuals in these high-risk groups can take steps to protect their health and seek further information on legal options if they believe they have been impacted.

It’s important to note that TruLaw is only accepting clients with AFFF personal injury claims — we are not accepting clients for the AFFF municipal water contamination lawsuits.

If you’ve been exposed to AFFF and later developed cancer or other related health issues, it’s important to explore your legal options to seek justice.

Working with a knowledgeable firefighting foam attorney experienced in AFFF litigation can help determine your eligibility and pursue compensation.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to AFFF, the dedicated firefighting foam attorneys at TruLaw and our trusted partner firms are here to help.

With a strong understanding of AFFF exposure laws and the latest research, TruLaw is ready to assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve.

Use the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and find out if you qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit today.

If your case qualifies, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your AFFF exposure.

Currently, there are more than 4,700 AFFF firefighting foam cases pending, which include claims related to exposure and contamination.

These lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the process and handle the complicated nature of these cases.

The AFFF MDL is being overseen by the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, where litigation related to AFFF exposure is being coordinated.

TruLaw is committed to serving as your dependable ally in AFFF cancer litigation.

The AFFF lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms recognize the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that this disease imposes on firefighting foam cancer victims and their families.

We are dedicated to assisting you in securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Our approach includes:

• Thorough Investigation and Research: Carefully analyzing every aspect of your case to build a strong legal strategy.
• Clear Communication and Guidance: Providing transparent and consistent updates throughout the legal process.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Holding negligent companies accountable through determined legal representation.

TruLaw partners with AFFF litigation leaders to connect you with an experienced chemical exposure attorney suited for your claim based on a successful track-record of pursuing compensation in similar types of cases.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to AFFF and developed bladder cancer, you may qualify for an AFFF bladder cancer lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw by using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can qualify you to join others in filing for the AFFF MDL today.