Cancer Caused by AFFF Exposure & PFAS Laden Gear: Are There Safer Alternatives?

The lives of firefighters on the surface appear to be brave. But are they safe? Apparently not. The tools that they use to extinguish fatal fires are what can lead to life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

In September 2023, KFF Health News reported on Kurt Rhodes, a U.S. military firefighter who was exposed to firefighter foam, or AFFF, during his working tenure, not knowing it has harmful chemicals. According to new federal research, this chemical leads to testicular cancer. To date, Rhodes gets anxious about getting diagnosed with this disease akin to his colleagues.

He asserted this trend of getting affected by AFFF exposure and developing fatal cancers is much like Russian roulette. The ones who aren’t affected by it are the happy ones. The chemicals in AFFF have been estimated to have already contaminated over 700 former and active military installations in the United States. This was an outcome of firefighting, dumping, and industrial spills.

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Today, there are reports that both AFFF and PFAS-laden gear can cause cancer in firefighters. In this article, we are going to discuss this and whether there are safe alternatives available yet.

The Story of Timothy Zych

AboutLawsuits.com in November 2023 shared the story of Timothy Zych, who is a Missouri firefighter and suffered from cancer because of the firefighter gear and AFFF exposure. He reported getting exposed to increasing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) levels during his entire career.

That aside, a recent AFFF lawsuit update highlights that firefighters also experience cancer risk from the PFAS contained in their turnout gear. It is supposed to be a secured and layered clothing worn by firefighters during duty hours.

In August 2022, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) issued a warning for the firefighters, urging them to wear their turnout gear only when necessary. They mentioned that firefighters wouldn’t be able to avert the risks of cancer till such time the gear is made completely free from the chemicals.

Studies have highlighted that AFFF exposure can cause several life-threatening cancers. As a result, the number of AFFF lawsuits is increasing. It is being filed by people who consumed the contaminated water and firefighters who’ve been exposed to the toxic chemicals in the foam.

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In his lawsuit, Zynch mentioned working as a firefighter in the Shady Valley Fire Protection District, Bloomfield Fire Protection District, and the Puxico Volunteer Fire Department for eight years. In December 2022 he developed prostate cancer because of the PFAS in his protective gear and AFFF exposure.

If you, too, have been affected by this toxic foam it is necessary to file a lawsuit and ask for the legal compensation you need. It will help you to cover all the medical costs and other expenses required to treat your ailment. You can also use the compensation as financial aid to tackle the wage loss you might have suffered.

What Alternatives Do We Have?

TruLaw states that the AFFF litigation realm has been developing at a fast pace. The latest findings reveal that almost 7,738 lawsuits are pending at the Judicial Panel of MDL as of April 1^st, 2024. That means, there has been a visible rise from 7,170 cases that got reported last month.

Hence, the authorities must search for correct alternatives that will reduce the danger of firefighters developing fatal cancers.. Two alternatives that are being talked about are:

Eco-Gel

It is an advanced fire extinguisher that makes use of a distinctive process to combat the fire. It contains a water additive which converts the liquid into a gel. It further develops a secure layer on the surface of the fire. Hence, it cuts off the entire oxygen supply and results in fast cooling.

Eco Gel is biodegradable and non-toxic, which makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to firefighter foam. The fire stations would love this option as it is 50% quicker in extinguishing Class A and B fires.

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Fluorine-Free Foams

As an effective alternative to AFFF, F3 can manage dangerous fuel fires and cause zero damage. It doesn’t contain any fluorinated surfactants and is an eco-friendly substitute for AFFF. It provides the same applications and efficiency. On use, F3 develops a resilient foam blanket that provides a cooling effect to the fuel fires. It is effective in managing Class A and B fires and causes no harsh impact on nature. In conclusion, there have been several news updates lately about the dangerous side effects of AFFF exposure and the PFAS contained in firefighter protective gear. It has resulted in fatal cancers in firefighters and other people who have inhaled this toxic foam. As we keep discovering other hazards of this foam, it is necessary to opt for safer alternatives. That way, the adverse effects of PFAS will be alleviated globally.