For decades, firefighters have relied on specialized foams to swiftly extinguish perilous liquid fuel fires. However, recent revelations have unveiled hidden perils associated with these foams, with consequences too significant to overlook. Beneath the surface, a narrative of pervasive and persistent contamination is unfolding, rooted in the very methods used to combat blazes for years.
These substances, dubbed “forever chemicals,” are so enduring that once released, they essentially persist indefinitely in the environment. Widely employed for decades in everyday products like non-stick cookware and firefighter foam, their perceived benefits appeared to outweigh any potential risks.
However, emerging research is exposing ominous health effects. It is crucial to delve into the potential adverse effects that firefighting foam may have on unsuspecting communities.
What is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?
Firefighting agents that deal with flammable liquid flames employ a substance called aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). It is frequently utilized in a variety of situations, such as military installations, ships, automobiles, shore facilities, and firefighter training facilities.
Nonetheless, questions have been raised concerning the possible health hazards connected to specific AFFF solutions.
AFFF is a mixture of water and various chemical compounds, including ethylene and propylene glycol, which help prolong the foam’s effectiveness. It is typically used in a concentrated form that is mixed with water before application. The concentration of AFFF in the mixture can range from 3% to 6%.
When water alone is insufficient to put out a fire, firefighters utilize AFFF, especially when volatile chemicals like petroleum are involved.
Some examples of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are included in AFFF and enhance its foaming and fire suppression properties are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These substances are not present in nature and have been a part of industrial and consumer goods since the 1950s.
When AFFF is applied to a fire, it works by coating the fuel behind the fire and dissipating heat. It also forms a protective film over the fuel, preventing oxygen from reaching the fire and preventing it from reigniting.
Why Is Firefighting Form Hazardous?
AFFF raises significant concerns due to its inclusion of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), toxic chemicals known for their adverse effects on human health and their persistence in the environment, waterways, wildlife, and human bodies.
PFAS have been linked to detrimental health impacts in humans, notably an increased risk of cancer. AFFF stands out as a primary contributor to PFAS contamination in drinking water, making it a focal point for regulatory action.
In 2018, Washington enacted legislation restricting AFFF usage due to the acknowledged dangers associated with PFAS.
Risks Associated With AFFF
As noted previously, those most commonly exposed to AFFF include firefighters and individuals in the military.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has compiled a list of medical conditions that are potentially linked to AFFF exposure.
These conditions encompass a range of health issues such as asthma, child development issues, cholesterol increases, fertility problems, fetal damage, immune system changes, liver disease, low birth weight, pregnancy-induced pre-eclampsia and hypertension, and thyroid disease.
It is crucial to note that the severity and manifestation of these health conditions can depend on many factors. They include the duration of exposure and the concentration of AFFF, highlighting the importance of considering individual circumstances when assessing the potential health risks associated with AFFF exposure.
AFFF Lawsuit Seeks Justice and Compensation for Health Impacts
Due to the adverse effects of firefighting foam, legal actions like the AFFF lawsuit have arisen. This legal action seeks compensation for those harmed by exposure to AFFF, resulting in diagnoses of cancer or other health complications.
The objective of the AFFF Lawsuit is to seek compensation for those affected by AFFF exposure, holding the manufacturers responsible for the associated injuries and health problems.
TruLaw revealed the existence of multidistrict litigation (MDL) filed by the interests of people who were exposed to firefighting foam, either through their work or by ingesting contaminated water.
In particular, AFFF MDL 2873 is a consolidated case filed in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. This legal consolidation aims to streamline proceedings for cases involving individuals affected by AFFF exposure.
In conclusion, while AFFF has been instrumental in saving lives and property by helping to extinguish dangerous fuel-based fires, research has increasingly shown it poses hidden health and environmental hazards due to the presence of toxic PFAS chemicals.
Once released, these substances can persist indefinitely in the environment, potentially contaminating water sources and exposing surrounding communities for many years. Through extensive litigation like the ongoing AFFF lawsuit, those harmed can seek justice and compensation. However, preventing future harm will require proactive measures, including developing PFAS-free alternatives to AFFF and cleaning up past contamination.
