In March 2020, a man sued DuPont, a leading manufacturer of AFFF firefighting foams. The man claimed that his testicular cancer was a result of prolonged consumption of toxic water laden with carcinogens. DuPont had to pay the man a compensation of over 40 million dollars.
The unchecked use of aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF firefighting foam has wreaked havoc. These life-saving foams contain per -and- poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are known carcinogens.
Studies suggest a possible link between AFFF exposure and an increased risk of specific cancers. This blog post dives deep into that connection, focusing on four particular cancers: prostate, testicular, kidney, and pancreatic. We’ll explore the research, what it means for you, and what steps to take if you were exposed to AFFF.
AFFF and Cancer: The Link We Can’t Ignore
AFFF foam, once a firefighting mainstay, is now under scrutiny for its possible link to various cancers. As TorHoerman Law states, multiple studies have identified a connection between AFFF exposure and an increased risk of specific cancers.
These studies, like the one by the National Cancer Institute, analyze data from large cohorts of firefighters and military members compared to control groups.
A study by JHEP Reports has linked PFAS exposure to hepatocellular carcinoma. Long-term PFAS exposure has been shown to disrupt the metabolism of bile acids and amino acids.
The most concerning aspect is the subtle danger that these toxins present to the health of the fetus. These omnipresent chemicals are capable of penetrating breast milk and umbilical cord blood, transferring from mother to child.
According to scientific analysis, fetal exposure to PFAS may have adverse effects on the development of the in-utero infant. Hormonal disruptions, cognitive delays, and attention deficits are all potential outcomes. Further extending the specter of damage are possible correlations between PFAS exposure and reduced birth weights of infants.
It’s important to acknowledge that correlation doesn’t necessarily equal causation. There may be a plethora of reasons for someone to develop cancer, even if they are living near PFAS-contaminated sites.
So, if you wish to file an AFFF firefighting foam cancer lawsuit to seek compensation for your health condition, you need to establish the causal link with concrete pieces of medical evidence.
In the following sections, we will dig deep into the four most common cancers that are seen in these lawsuits.
Prostate Cancer and AFFF Exposure
The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm, an essential function of the male reproductive system.
Prostate cancer may manifest with inconspicuous symptoms that do not become apparent until the disease has advanced. Difficulty urinating, blood in the sperm, and persistent discomfort in the back, hips, or pelvis are typical symptoms.
Research findings indicate that firefighters, who are consistently exposed to AFFF, exhibit a greater risk for prostate cancer, in comparison to the general populace. The forever chemicals have the potential to disturb hormonal equilibrium, modify the expression of genes, and stimulate oxidative stress.
Each of these aspects elevates the likelihood of developing cancer.
Testicular Cancer and PFAS
Gary Flook, a retired firefighter at the now-closed Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois had dedicated over 35 years to military service. His routine handling of firefighting foam was deemed safe back then.
Unaware of the health hazards, Flook also volunteered at his neighborhood fire station for a few years. Everything came crashing down when at 45 he learned that he had testicular cancer and would need an orchiectomy and chemotherapy.
However, many veterans like Gary could not do much legally, because there had been no concrete study that could link PFAS exposure to testicular cancer. It was only in July 2023, that a federal study linked testicular cancer and exposure to PFAS and its variants.
Testicular cancer is a neoplastic condition that originates from the malignant germ cells located in the testicles. It is the most common cancer diagnosed among young men (aged 15-35) and presents with a relatively high cure rate when detected early.
Symptoms may include:
- A lump in the testicle
- Swelling or change in size or firmness of the testicle
- A dull ache or pain in the scrotum or lower abdomen
This cancer has been diagnosed in firefighters—both military and civilian—at a higher rate than in most other professions. This can be attributed to chronic exposure to PFAS-laden firefighting foam.
PFAS chemicals can disrupt hormonal balance and affect the development and function of the testicles. As more evidence emerges, it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of firefighters and work towards finding safer alternatives to PFAS-containing foams.
Pancreatic Cancer and the Silent Battle
Pancreatic cancer, a malignant growth in the pancreas, is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. It ranks as the fourth most prevalent cause of cancer-related fatalities in America. In many cases, the manifestation of pancreatic cancer symptoms occurs after the disease has progressed.
These include pain in the abdomen that can spread to the back, loss of appetite, light-colored stools, and dark urine. The silent nature of this cancer makes early detection challenging, contributing to its poor prognosis.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a potent environmental chemical that belongs to the group of PFAS chemicals. PFOA exposure has been linked to the development of pancreatic cancer.
PFOA has been found to rev up precancerous growths in the pancreas and trigger the formation of dense scar tissue around them. The presence of thick tissue, known as desmoplasia, can create challenges in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This state, coupled with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, promotes pancreatic cancer progression.
Kidney Cancer and the Toxic Connection
It’s no secret that firefighters face a higher risk of certain cancers, including kidney cancer, due to their jobs. Unlike some cancers that cause obvious symptoms, renal cell carcinoma generally shows up on scans. This means firefighters might not even realize they have it until a routine checkup.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, prolonged PFAS exposure can trigger kidney cancer and other renal complications. It also suggests that patients with blood-PFAS levels above 20 ng/mL, should minimize exposure and undergo precautionary examinations for kidney cancer.
Any complication related to kidney health can be life-changing. Frequent dialysis, catheter implants, or chemotherapy—this cancer can prove fatal in no time.
While the link between AFFF exposure and certain cancers shows promise, more research is needed to solidify cause and effect. This doesn’t diminish the urgency of protecting firefighters and the public from potential harm.
Safer firefighting alternatives must be explored, and existing regulations around PFAS need to be reviewed. We need to create a future where firefighters can serve their communities with greater confidence and peace of mind.