Larry Jarvis worked in the Los Angeles Fire Department for 33 years. However, in 2007, when Larry was 58, he received treatment for prostate cancer at the City of Hope. After his retirement in 2010, he did not face any health hazards. Things became worse in June 2021 when Larry turned 72 and started rapidly losing weight. He lost about 40 pounds within two months. One morning, when he woke up with jaundice, he sensed that something was wrong.
Larry consulted the doctors at the City of Hope and met Vincent Chung, M.D., an oncologist who reported that Larry had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. His wife, Petra, stated that they were aware that pancreatic cancer is never considered a hopeful condition. It is difficult to detect it at earlier stages because the symptoms aren’t visible until it has grown and become apparent.
The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, but there are specific risk factors. Smoking is one of them. Another factor is exposure to workplace chemicals. In Larry’s case, AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) might be a culprit since it is frequently used by firefighters. Chemicals called PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) found in the foam have been linked to several malignancies, including pancreatic cancer.
In this blog, we will delve into the connection between firefighting foam and cancer. We will also discuss how to file a legal complaint to seek compensation for damages and suffering.
What Is the Formulation for AFFF that Makes it Fatal?
For over five decades, AFFF has been an obvious choice for extinguishing high-risk fuel fires. Simply put, AFFF is a synthetic mixture containing hydrocarbon-based and fluorinated surfactants, primarily used in military, civil aviation, and oil industries. Individuals who have served on military bases or worked as firefighters have inevitably been exposed to AFFF at some point.
The fluorinated surfactants are part of the chemical group known as PFAS, which is further explained below:
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Although not an intentional component of AFFF, it is a byproduct that forms during the manufacturing process.
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS): This completely synthetic fluorinated organic acid is used in various consumer products and also forms a degradation product of various perfluorinated compounds.
Hence, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS), popularly known as PFAS, are essential components of AFFF.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that PFAS chemicals can accumulate in the environment and human bodies, thereby posing a threat. As scientists continue to research on the connection between PFAS and cancer, the level of risk posed to an individual depends on:
- Levels of exposure
- Frequency of exposure
- General Health
PFAS Foams Lead to Cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers PFAS as a carcinogen because it induced tumors in laboratory animals in various studies. The types of cancer it causes are:
- Testicular Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Ulcerative colitis
- Prostate cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Leukemia
Since 1970, people have used AFFF for extinguishing class B fires by military firefighters and civilians, who are more susceptible to developing an ailment due to prolonged exposure. Class B fires indicate the fires which generate from flammable liquids, like petroleum, gasoline, tars, greases, solvents, alcohol, and oil.
Filing a Legal Complaint: How to Go About It?
In June 2023, the OPB organization reported that attorneys general from Washington and Oregon, have jointly filed lawsuits against 21 firefighting foam manufacturers. The legal complaint, led by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, highlights the discovery of PFAs (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in various counties across Oregon.
The lawsuit specifically holds companies such as DuPont and 3M accountable for their involvement in the production and distribution of firefighting foam, resulting in contamination. In a separate complaint, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson alleges that 3M executives have been aware of the harmful nature of their firefighting foam for many years and actively attempted to suppress any negative information associated with it.
Therefore, individuals who have worked as firefighters and have suffered ailments or developed cancer after PFAS exposure can file a firefighter foam cancer lawsuit. These lawsuits not only compensate affected individuals for damages and suffering but can also bring to light additional instances of AFFF and its dangers to human health. This increased awareness will prompt organizations to address the issue and develop safer alternatives.
According to TorHoerman Law, before firefighters file a legal complaint, it is necessary to gather all relevant medical evidence. This includes having their medical records, duration of PFAS exposure, employment records, cancer diagnosis details, and any other supporting data readily available. These details will enable a lawyer to substantiate a legal case more effectively and strengthen it, ultimately leading to a favorable verdict.
Conclusion
Over the years, firefighting foam has been linked to severe ailments in firefighters and other professionals exposed to PFAS. Initiatives are underway to mitigate the damages and find safer substitutes for this toxic chemical. For example, the U.S. Department of Defense has been actively considering changes in firefighting foam technologies and presented a plan in 2022 to phase out its use.
Some of the alternatives gaining attention include fluorine-free firefighting foam and dry chemical agents. However, any individual affected by AFFF exposure as a firefighter should promptly seek medical evaluation and treatment. Following that, it becomes essential to seek legal assistance to cover medical expenses and other losses incurred.