AFFF exposure: Hidden health risks fire lieutenants may face

Earning the fire lieutenant rank is a milestone in a firefighter's career. Fire lieutenants serve as first-line supervisors for their crews, and they may act as the first-arriving officer at an incident until the chief arrives. Typically, there would be at least one Fire Lieutenant to supervise a shift in a station. To qualify for a fire lieutenant position, a Firefighter I Certification is required, along with at least 6 years of firefighting experience (in some states). Some districts require a Firefighter II certification or training from an accredited fire academy.

Fire lieutenant responsibilities that may add up to cumulative AFFF exposure

By the time you have been promoted to a fire lieutenant, you may have already been exposed to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) on multiple occasions. This type of firefighting foam contains toxic fluorine-based chemicals that have been linked to several cancer types. You may have encountered AFFF in any of the following duties as a Fire Lieutenant:

• Responding to Class B fires using AFFF equipment (portable AFFF fire extinguishers, AFFF hose reels, or AFFF-loaded fire trucks)
• Supervising the training of recruits and probationary firefighters in Class B fire drills or live fire simulations
• Supervising and attending community-based events where AFFF was used as a "decorative foam" for performances and celebrations
• Inspecting fire trucks and foam tanks for leaks and spills

Health risks of AFFF exposure: Which conditions qualify for AFFF claims?

The risk of "forever chemicals" in AFFF is that they are difficult to trace and break down. Once the chemicals enter the body, they simply accumulate over time in the blood and in different organs, potentially interfering with body functions and increasing the risk of developing cancer.

If you have served for years as a firefighter and are already in the Fire Lieutenant position, you are likely to qualify for an AFFF claim if you've been diagnosed with any of the following medical conditions:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Thyroid Disease

Legal option for fire lieutenants with cancer: Filing AFFF claims

ELG Law has spent over three decades helping victims of toxic exposure. We understand how difficult it is to battle a chronic condition while worrying about medical expenses and lost income. If you're a Fire Lieutenant who has been diagnosed with any of the conditions mentioned above, you may contact us to get an evaluation of your AFFF claim eligibility. We evaluate cases at no cost to you, and we only need your proof of exposure (employment records) and proof of diagnosis (medical records) to assess your case.