Certain firefighting foams long used by the U.S. Navy have come under scrutiny for their potential health impacts. Known as aqueous film-forming foams or AFFF, these chemicals are designed to extinguish liquid fuel fires like those involving jet planes swiftly. However, exposure to AFFF may increase the risk of developing dangerous cancers, according to recent research.
Navy personnel who worked with or trained with these foams on naval bases and aboard ships may have inadvertently jeopardized their health. As the dangers of AFFF emerge, the Navy faces concerns. There are worries about past and future effects. These concerns focus on the men and women who serve to protect the nation. In this article, we will examine the evidence linking AFFF to cancer and discuss the Navy’s response to this serious issue.
PFAS Exposure and Testicular Cancer Risk
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute investigated PFAS exposure and testicular cancer risk. Their study focused on U.S. Air Force servicemen. PFAS are chemicals present in firefighting foams used in airports and Air Force sites. Previous research connected certain chemicals to higher risks of testicular and kidney cancers.
In this retrospective case-control study, researchers analyzed pre-diagnostic blood samples from 530 Air Force testicular cancer patients. They also examined samples from 530 matched cancer-free controls in the Department of Defense repository.
Higher blood levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a specific PFAS, were associated with increased testicular cancer risk. Servicemen who worked as firefighters or were stationed at bases with PFAS-contaminated water also had higher PFAS exposure.
While other measured PFAS showed no associations, this study is the first to link PFOS exposure to testicular cancer. It uses biological monitoring within a military population to establish this connection.
Testicular cancer is the most common among young servicemen. These findings motivate further research on PFOS exposure and risk in heavily exposed groups.
In a shocking case, a U.S. Navy firefighter developed testicular cancer due to his exposure to toxic chemicals contained in aqueous film-forming foam.
Michael Sloane, a Texas resident who worked as a Navy firefighter, filed a complaint against several chemical and safety equipment manufacturers on September 8th. In the lawsuit, Sloane claims that PFAS in the AFFF he used to fight petroleum fires on bases caused his cancer. This claim further supports the findings of the study.
Navy Veterans Filing Lawsuits Over Potential AFFF Exposure From Firefighting Roles
For many veterans who served in the Navy, exposure to aqueous film-forming foam is possible, especially those who worked in firefighting roles. This is why some individuals are filing the AFFF lawsuit for navy personnel against the manufacturers.
According to TruLaw, notable defendants in lawsuits include:
- 3M Company
- The Chemours Company
- Tyco Fire Products
- National Foam
- DuPont:
Navy Nears Completion of AFFF Removal at Red Hill Fuel Facility
The surge in AFFF lawsuits has surely brought in some positive changes. The US Navy’s Closure Task Force is working at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii. They are nearly finished extracting aqueous film-forming foam. This extraction is from the site’s fire suppression system.
As of mid-April, the task force had safely removed over 99% of the total 1,012 gallons of AFFF concentrate present.
In a statement, NCTF-RH reported that removal operations began on April 8th. This was after gaining approval from the EPA and Hawaii Department of Health. The foam, which contains potentially hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, posed concerns for contamination of the area’s drinking water.
Established to oversee the decommissioning of large underground fuel storage tanks, NCTF-RH coordinates closely with regulators. These tanks are located above an aquifer, and the task force ensures proper closure. Earlier in April 2024, the task force met with the EPA to explain spill containment plans for the AFFF extraction work. This could just be the beginning of the complete eradication of AFFF.
FAQs
1. Are military personnel at risk of AFFF exposure?
A: Military firefighters across all U.S. armed forces branches may have encountered significant AFFF exposure. This puts them at potential risk for various health issues, including cancer, due to PFAS content. Veterans with possible PFAS exposure are advised to seek immediate medical evaluation, regardless of current health status.
2. Is AFFF considered safe?
A: AFFF raises significant health and environmental concerns due to its PFAS content. These persistent chemicals are known to have adverse effects on human health and resist breakdown in ecosystems, water bodies, and living organisms. Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to various health problems, with cancer being a notable concern.
3. Where is AFFF commonly used?
A: AFFF is a specialized fire extinguishing agent used to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids, notably fuel fires. It’s frequently employed in various settings, including naval vessels, shoreside fire suppression systems, firefighting vehicles, and fire training facilities.
The risks of AFFF exposure are only beginning to emerge, but the impacts may affect Navy veterans and their families for years. As research and legal actions progress, it is clear that the Navy must improve support for those with cancer and health issues. Removing the remaining AFFF is a positive step. However, it may only be the start of addressing the environmental and human costs of these chemicals.
