As someone who cares about the health and safety of our firefighters, it’s understandable that you may be feeling anxious and seeking answersIt’s tragic to learn that several firemen who have devoted their careers to helping others have developed cancer later in life.
But don’t worry; there is hopeIn this blog, we’ll look into the possible links between firefighting foam and cancer, as well as the remedies that may be offered to victimsWe’ll also examine some of the measures being made to deal with this problem and lessen the dangers of being exposed to firefighting foam.
If you’re looking for information and answers about firefighting foam and cancer, you’ve clicked on the right blogLet’s dive right in.
What is Firefighting Foam?
Foam designed for applications such as combating fires is called firefighting foam or fire suppression foamIt is employed in cases where the use of water would be futile, such as when fighting fires involving volatile liquids.
The foam is effective because it forms a barrier over the fuel, preventing oxygen from reaching the fireDepending on the kind, firefighting foam can either be highly successful or have a significant negative effect on the environment.
While firefighting foam can be very useful in certain scenarios, it has been linked to health and environmental risks due to the chemicals it contains, which are known as perfluorinated compounds (PFAS).
The Emergence of Firefighting Foam as a Cancer Risk
In recent years, questions have been raised over whether or not firefighting foam could contribute to the development of cancerWhen compared to the general population, firefighters have a higher risk of developing cancers like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and leukemia, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of manmade compounds that have been shown to stay in the environment and build in human tissue over time; their usage in firefighting foam is a major cause for worryThere is mounting evidence linking exposure to these chemicals to cancer, hormonal disturbance, and compromised immune function.
There are environmental considerations in addition to health dangers when using firefighting foamFor instance, in 2019, several wells had to be shut down after being contaminated by drinking water following a firefighting foam leak at an Air Force post in Michigan.
Moreover, the emergence of firefighting foam as a cancer risk has led to an increase in firefighting foam lawsuits filed by firefighters and other individuals who may have been exposed to the chemicals in the foam and developed cancer as a result.
TorHoerman Law, a justice law firm, suggests that Class-B aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) include PFAS chemicals that pose such health hazardsAccording to their website, workers who use or transport firefighting foam may have been regularly exposedThis includes airport and military firefighters, municipal firefighters, industrial workers, flight deck workers, AFFF manufacturers and transporters, and incinerator facility workers.
What Types of Cancer Are Associated With Firefighting Foam Exposure?
Exposure to the harmful chemicals in firefighting foam is a rising worryHence, it’s crucial to know what kinds of cancer may be linked to that exposure.
Firefighters who are exposed to the chemicals in firefighting foam may be at a higher risk of acquiring cancers such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and lymphoma; however, further study is needed.
Additional research is needed to confirm the association between firefighting foam exposure and breast cancer, which has been suggested by the National Institutes Of HealthHence, firefighters and those exposed to firefighting foam should be aware of the health dangers and seek medical assistance if they come across any symptoms.
Pursuing Legal Action: What to Expect From a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit
While every lawsuit is unique, there are a few things you can count on when filing a claim for damages related to firefighting foamThe first step is to retain the services of a seasoned lawyer who has handled situations like yours beforeIf you need assistance figuring out your legal alternatives or exercising your legal rights, hiring an experienced attorney is a good first step.
The National Fire Protection Association found that there has been an uptick in litigation concerning PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, especially in regions with robust defense and aerospace sectors.
A lawyer will start working on your case as soon as you hire themEvidence collecting, witness interviews, and consultation with toxicological and oncology specialists may all be part of this processYour lawyer will help you figure out how much money you should be asking for and prove that your cancer was caused by being exposed to firefighting foam.
Expect a lengthy and difficult legal procedure if your case gets to trialThe parties may have to submit evidence, attend depositions, or even go to trialYou can count on your lawyer to advise you and represent your interests at every turn.
Lastly, some lawsuits are resolved without going to trialThis route may be less time-consuming and expensive than going to trial, but the final settlement amount may be lessConsult with your lawyer to determine if the settlement offer is reasonable and in your best interests.
Final Thoughts!
To sum up, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting a relationship between firefighting foam and cancer, and this is causing significant worry among firemen, environmentalists, and the general public.
Lung cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, lymphoma, and even breast cancer have all been linked to exposure to firefighting foam, so it’s important to be aware of these hazards.
Those who have been wronged may choose to take legal action, but doing so requires the help of an experienced attorney and preparation for a potentially lengthy and difficult case.
By raising public consciousness and tightening regulations on firefighting foam, we can lessen potential harm to firefighters and the environment.