Thyroid cancer due to AFFF

PFOS exposure increases the risk of thyroid cancer in firefighters by 56%

"Forever chemicals", also known as PFAS, have a strong ability to interfere with thyroid function. Because these substances are endocrine disruptors, they can affect the body by mimicking fatty acids. They interfere with the hormone system, making civilian and military firefighters exposed to AFFF more prone to developing thyroid disease, which sometimes precedes cancers.

The longer a firefighter is exposed to this fire suppressant, the higher their risk of developing thyroid cancer is.

Furthermore, PFOA, another toxic chemical from this group, was found to inhibit the accumulation of iodine by thyroid follicular cells in vitro, which is a major risk factor for thyroid cancer. If you have been working as a firefighter, used AFFF regularly, and worry that you might have developed thyroid cancer, the following are the symptoms you should look out for and for which you should seek medical attention immediately:

• a lump that can be felt through the skin on the neck
• changes to the voice, including hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck

PFAS can have several detrimental effects on endocrine function, including the thyroid. In animal studies, PFAS were found to cause hypertrophy and hyperplasia of thyroid follicular cells in rats and showed a strong association with low total and free thyroxine concentrations. If these changes occur in the thyroid gland, the risk of developing cancer increases. If you are a civilian or military firefighter who used AFFF on the job and now struggle with thyroid cancer, we advise you to contact our toxic exposure attorneys, as you might be entitled to financial compensation.