Which Professions Are Involved in AFFF Firefighter Foam Lawsuits?

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids, such as oil and gasoline. AFFF contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of toxic chemicals linked to several health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive problems.

Besides firefighters, professions involved in AFFF exposure lawsuits include military personnel, airport workers, industrial workers, and emergency responders. These workers handle or work near AFFF during fire suppression, training, or maintenance tasks. Individuals have filed lawsuits to hold manufacturers accountable for alleged health issues resulting from AFFF exposure.

Which Occupations Are Involved in AFFF Exposure and How?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) exposure extends beyond firefighters, impacting various occupations due to the involvement in activities where firefighting foam is used or present. These high-risk occupations involve:

1. Military Personnel

Military personnel, particularly those involved in aircraft operations and firefighting, can face exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in several ways, such as:

Training Exercises

Military firefighters handle AFFF containers, operate foam applicators, and actively use firefighting foam during firefighting training exercises. Without proper safety measures, they may be exposed to AFFF through skin contact, inhalation of aerosolized particles, or ingestion.

Emergency Response

Military personnel are also involved in emergency response efforts, such as aircraft fires or incidents involving flammable substances. They work alongside firefighting teams in handling AFFF equipment, assisting in foam application, or exposure to airborne particles during firefighting operations.

Maintenance and Inspections

Military staff responsible for aircraft maintenance and inspections may encounter AFFF during routine tasks. It can include inspections of fire suppression systems, testing equipment functionality, or maintenance activities in areas where AFFF may be present. Exposure can occur through AFFF residues, accidental spills, or inhalation of vapors during system inspections.

2. Airport and Airline Workers

Airport firefighters, baggage handlers, and aircraft maintenance crews, among others, can come into contact with AFFF through the following exposure routes:

Firefighting Operations

Airport firefighters are at the forefront of AFFF exposure as they engage in firefightingoperations. They handle AFFF equipment, including foam applicators and hoses, and apply AFFF directly to extinguish fires. Skin contact, inhalation of aerosolized particles, or accidental ingestion of foam residues are possible exposure pathways.

Training Drills

Airport and airline workers participate in training drills that involve firefighting simulation exercises. AFFF is often used during these exercises, exposing workers to the foam through direct handling, foam application, or being close to AFFF application areas.

Equipment Handling and Maintenance

Baggage handlers, aircraft maintenance crews, and other workers may contact AFFF when handling equipment associated with its use, such as foam applicators or storage containers. Direct contact with AFFF residues, accidental spills, or inadequate decontamination practices can lead to exposure.

3. Industrial Workers

Industrial workers in manufacturing, chemical plants, and oil refineries can encounter AFFF exposure in the following ways:

Fire Suppression Activities

Industrial workers sometimes use AFFF to extinguish fires caused by flammable liquids. They might handle equipment, use foam sprayers to apply the AFFF or breathe in tiny particles that float in the air. If there’s a fire, these workers might help or be part of the team that tries to extinguish it.

System Maintenance and Inspections

Workers responsible for maintaining and inspecting fire suppression systems, such as sprinkler or foam-based suppression systems, can contact AFFF. It can occur during routine maintenance tasks, system inspections, or testing activities.

Cleanup Operations

Industrial workers can be exposed to AFFF during cleanup operations following chemical spills or leaks. Workers involved in the cleanup process may handle AFFF residues or work in areas where AFFF was applied.

4. Emergency Responders

Emergency responders, including HAZMAT teams and industrial firefighters, can encounter AFFF exposure in the following scenarios:

Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents

When responding to incidents involving flammable substances, or hazardous materials, emergency responders may use AFFF as part of firefighting and containment efforts. It can result in exposure to AFFF through handling equipment or direct contact with the foam.

Cleanup and Decontamination

Emergency responders involved in cleaning and decontaminating incidents may encounter AFFF residues. Handling contaminated materials or being near AFFF application areas during cleanup operations can lead to exposure.

Inhalation of Airborne Particles

When workers clean up or fix things contaminated with AFFF, they might breathe in tiny particles with PFAS chemicals. Breathing in these particles can increase their exposure to AFFF.

What Are the Health Risks of AFFF Exposure?

According to several studies done by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) can result in various health risks, primarily due to the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals in the foam. Here are a few health risks associated with AFFF exposure:

Cancer Risks

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established a connection between exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and an elevated risk of specific types of cancer. These cancers may include kidney, testicular, prostate, thyroid, and other forms of cancer. Regulatory agencies also classify PFAS chemicals as potential carcinogens, raising concerns about their link to cancer development.

Reproductive Disorders

PFAS chemicals in AFFF can disrupt hormonal balance, possibly causing reproductive disorders, fertility issues, and complications during pregnancy. Studies indicate potential adverse effects on the reproductive system and fetal development.

Liver Damage

Prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals has been associated with liver damage and abnormalities in liver function. These chemicals can accumulate in the liver, leading to inflammation and fibrosis.

Immune System Dysfunction

AFFF exposure actively suppresses and disrupts the immune system’s functioning. PFAS chemicals can impair immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.

Developmental Effects

Exposure to PFAS chemicals during critical stages of development, including in utero or during early childhood, may result in developmental issues. These can include delayed growth, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and impacts on cognitive development.

Hormonal Imbalance

PFAS chemicals found in AFFF can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body. This disruption can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting various bodily functions and potentially causing health problems.

Environmental Impact

AFFF negatively impacts the environment by contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water. PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals,” can accumulate in wildlife and ecosystems, posing risks to biodiversity due to their persistence in the environment.

How Can Uptown Injury Assist You in Filing an AFFF Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one was exposed to firefighting foam on the service and were diagnosed with cancer. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation through a firefighting foam cancer lawsuit. AtUptown Injury, our team of firefighting foam lawyers provides you with the necessary guidance, support, and legal representation to pursue an AFFF lawsuit effectively. 

Contact us today or call us at 855-233-8728for a FREE case evaluation. Don’t hesitate to take action. Your health and rights matter, and we are here to fight for your best interests.

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