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Exposure To AFFF

Aqueous firefighting foams (AFFF) contain the hazardous chemicals perfluorooctane sulfonate and/or perfluorooctanoic acid, which are categorized as per- and poly fluoroalkyls (PFAs), and pose a significant risk of exposure for both current and former firefighters as well as people affected by groundwater contamination. You can always file an AFFF lawsuit

These substances are frequently found in AFFF and have been associated with a number of diseases and health problems, including cancer. Even if you have never come into touch with AFFF or a comparable firefighting foam directly, these hazardous chemicals can seep into a local water source and expose unwitting victims to significant health hazards from the synthetic compounds.

Health Hazards Linked to AFFF Exposure

If we talk about PFAS Risks then Environmental issues, as well as a number of severe illnesses and health concerns, are brought on by the PFAS compounds found in AFFF. Because PFAS are both soluble in water and can accumulate in organisms, they are easily distributed by air and water and build up in the body of a living organism. Since AFFF is employed to put out various kinds of fires, it’s possible that these toxins will pollute the soil, air, and groundwater in the area following actual fires and training exercises. Because PFAS are both soluble in water and can accumulate in organisms, they are easily distributed by air and water and build up in the body of a living organism. Since AFFF is employed to put out various kinds of fires, it’s possible that these toxins will pollute the soil, air, and groundwater in the area following actual fires and training exercises.

Most Common Health Conditions Associated with PFAS-Containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam

  • carcinoma of the kidney
  • malignancy of the testicles
  • injury to the liver
  • thyroid conditions and thyroid cancer
  • carcinoma of the colon
  • cancer of the ovaries
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • pregnant women who have preeclampsia
  • changes in cholesterol
  • Immune system dysfunction (such as problems with antibody synthesis and immunity)

The use of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoic Acid in 3M’s AFFF products was outlawed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) back in 2002.

Although some states have dropped it to 20 or 40 ppt, the EPA has lowered the permissible PFOA/PFOS levels to 70 ppt during the past few years.

Accountability of Chemical Manufacturers for AFFF Exposure Injuries

The major chemical producers in the world, like 3M, manufactured, sold, and marketed chemical-based fire-fighting foam, which has been widely utilized by American military personnel and firefighters for over 50 years. Despite mounting evidence that PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS may cause cancer, thyroid disorders, and endocrine disruption, these large chemical producers continued to endanger people’s lives.

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified PFAS as an “emerging contaminant” and is working to learn more about these substances’ environmental impacts. Despite mounting evidence that PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS may cause cancer, thyroid disorders, and endocrine disruption, these large chemical producers continued to endanger people’s lives.