AFFF exposure is associated with reduced immune response, which is a sign of Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a relatively aggressive cancer and can rapidly spread through the body. Despite this, it is also one of the most easily treated forms of cancer.
The disease has a good prognosis, with 93% of patients with localized Hodgkin's lymphoma surviving for five years or longer following diagnosis. Even the 20-year survival rate is promising for this cancer, with 73% of patients living this long. The following are the most common symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma firefighters who use AFFF should be on the lookout for:
- itchy skin
- a higher risk of infections
- unexplained weight loss
- persistent fatigue
- relentless fever
- night sweats
- a lingering cough
- breathlessness
Exposure to PFAS, the main chemicals in AFFF, is known to affect the immune system, making people exposed to these dangerous substances more prone to developing Hodgkin's lymphoma. Animal models and human studies offer strong evidence that PFAS alter the immune system, diminishing its ability to fight infection and disease. When Hodgkin's lymphoma develops, the immune system has failed to detect the abnormal cells or has not been able to destroy them. Oftentimes, this is because there is a problem with the immune system, which can be caused by AFFF exposure in civilian and military firefighters.
If you suspect you have Hodgkin's lymphoma, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible, as early diagnosis is crucial when it comes to cancer. Not only does it entail a significantly better prognosis, but it also prevents serious health problems such as breast and lung cancer from developing. With over 30 years of experience in toxic exposure cases, our attorneys are ready to provide you with quality legal assistance if you are a firefighter who used AFFF and came to struggle with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Our resourceful legal team will carefully assess your case to determine if you are entitled to compensation.
