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Individuals dealing with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) can have contamination risks. It contains a toxic forever chemical.
Even though this job is rewarding, it also comes with life risks. If you are from this industry, you have probably saved countless lives by walking through fire or defusing it.
Well, here is some truth. Such exposures can cause various ailments. It includes cancer, asthma and more. Read on to learn about prevention, side effects and more.
Table of Contents
Firefighting Foam Components
It contains a toxic chemical compound named per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). You can find this in cleaning products. Moreover, this powerful element can extinguish fuel fires.
These elements contain unnatural sulfate particles that are impossible to dissolve. If this seeps into the ground, it will stay contaminated for years.
However, its ability to combat combustible liquids by cutting off any oxygen supply gained commercial importance. These have been used for fighting fires since 1970.
Due to this, various workers fell sick. After witnessing a pattern, they sued the companies. This created the famous firefighting foam lawsuit.
Various firms like TorHoerman Law have taken it up. With their help, victims can seek justice. Such law firms reassure families. Moreover, they also help cover medical bills.
Due to the widespread awareness, these lawsuits have become prominent. However, these attorneys will win the AFFF lawsuits due to their determination.
Such law firms have already gotten settlements of more than USD 4 billion.
Firefighting Foam Exposure
Exposure might come from inhaling or drinking. Usually, workers or manufacturers are in direct contact, but it can affect anything they touch.
You can orally ingest it. Or, it can get absorbed through your skin might absorb these particles.
Moreover, people living near a factory or fire station can have risks of contamination through inhalation. Sometimes, prolonged exposure to exposed water or food can cause severe ailments.
The groundwater, air and soil can be affected when exposed to AFFF.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Rapid technological change in this industry has already created good alternatives to AFFF. Not only are they devoid of PFAS, but they are also equally effective. Some of the options include the following:
- Fluorine-free foam
- C6 concentrates
- Dry chemical agents
- Green-fire foam
Even though you can use AFFF during dire situations, the risks are too high. It can eventually lead to environmental damage. That is why it is crucial that companies shift to alternatives, as mentioned here.
Side Effects of Firefighting Foam Exposure
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, here are the common side effects of exposure to AFFF firefighting foam:
- Issues with your child’s development
- Increase in cholesterol and decrease in heart health
- Development of asthma and lung diseases
- Fetal damage and fertility issues
- Thyroid and liver disease
- Changes in the immunity
- Lower birth weight in infants
Other than these, you can also develop prostate cancer along with various hypertension issues. Kidney and testicular cancer are also common, followed by lymphoma or leukemia.
Preventions and Safe Precautions After Exposure
The USFA suggests that only long-term exposure to AFFF causes you to develop severe side effects. In fact, only high concentrations of these toxic chemicals will lead to cancer.
However, if you have been exposed to such elements, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They will perform specific medical tests to ensure your safety.
Another option is to practice safety measures to be safe from these chemicals.
- Only invest in devices that come with foam solutions that are fluorine-free
- Ensure to contain the AFFF levels by managing water or air runoff
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment or PPE kits when handling AFFF firefighting foam
- Using Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus or SCBA when using AFFF foam to defuse fires
- Proper removal of contaminated elements from the premises
- Usage of cleaning wipes to remove the residue from the neck, face, and body
Other than these, you can also keep your PPE and SCBA kits sterilized. Some firefighters advise hopping in the shower instantly after returning home or the base.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, exposure to PFAS can cause devastating health issues. You can develop cancer, and women might have problems with fertility.
These side effects happen due to toxic forever chemicals that take hundreds of years to break down.
Therefore, seeping into nature can keep your water or grounds contaminated for a long time. That is why the government is slowly banning such toxic chemicals in firefighting foam.
Irrespective, you should follow preventive measures like washing your body after exposure or wearing safety gear. Only then can you keep yourself safe in this line of work!
Also, Read – How Do I File a Maryland Workers Comp Claim?