Firefighting foam, also called AFFF, is important for putting out fires.
But it’s important to know that being around this foam can be dangerous.
It can contaminate water and make people sick.
Some chemicals in AFFF, like PFOS and PFOA, can stay in the environment and build up in living things.
These chemicals can cause cancer and other health problems.
Experts say PFOS might cause cancer, and PFOA might too.
These chemicals are really risky to be around.
AFFF exposure can also lead to other health issues.
It can hurt the liver, mess up the immune system, cause thyroid problems, and affect how kids grow.
These problems can stick around for a long time.
Firefighters are at a higher risk of being around AFFF because they use it a lot.
They can touch it directly or get exposed through water that’s been contaminated.
Link between firefighting foam exposure and cancer
Firefighting foam can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
Chemicals in the foam are linked to different types of cancer like testicular and kidney cancer.
The foam has a lot of PFAS chemicals that stay in the environment and can build up in our bodies.
This can contaminate water and be harmful to our health.
Toxic chemicals present in firefighting foam
To understand the health risks of firefighting foam, we need to look at the chemicals it contains, like PFAS.
These chemicals are resistant to heat, oil, water, and stains.
But they stay in the environment and our bodies for a long time.
Firefighters and communities are affected by PFAS contamination in water.
The EPA has made more rules, and there’s a lawsuit against the Air Force.
Other health risks associated with firefighting foam
Firefighting foam exposure can lead to health problems like cancer, water contamination, and PFAS contamination.
Studies show that prolonged contact with these chemicals can cause reproductive issues, hormonal disruptions, liver damage, immune system problems, and developmental delays in children.
Firefighters regularly come into contact with these harmful substances during emergencies, which can lead to long-term complications.
Impact on Firefighters’ long-term Health and well-being
Firefighters face a hidden danger from firefighting foam that can contaminate water.
This exposure to toxic chemicals like PFAS can seriously harm their health.
They need protection and support from lawyers who specialize in water contamination cases if they get sick.
Steps should be taken to reduce their exposure and improve their quality of life.