AFFF Firefighter II: How experience increases exposure risk

Completing a Firefighter II certification is a significant milestone in your firefighting career. Behind this achievement could be years of service as a career or volunteer firefighter, while taking hundreds of hours of training to get your certification. With more duties and more complex responsibilities, you may have higher levels of exposure to hazards than early recruits. Your employment records, showing your service history and AFFF exposure, can strengthen your eligibility for an AFFF claim.

Firefighter II: Your years of experience may strengthen your AFFF claim

The requirements for becoming a civilian firefighter may vary depending on your state and the size of the fire department. Some firefighters have already served as career or volunteer firefighters (Firefighter 1) for years before taking the Firefighter II certification. The classes and assessments may take some time, from several weeks to a few months, depending on the availability and schedule of classes. As a result, firefighters with Firefighter II certification typically have three to seven years of experience or more, and have had multiple encounters with AFFF.

For example, one of the key competencies for Firefighter II certification in one state is being able to extinguish liquid fire covering at least 100 square feet using firefighting foam. Not only are they occasionally or periodically exposed to the foam, but they are also likely to handle AFFF in high volumes.

Studies reveal that toxic exposure levels increase with years of experience as a firefighter

There is growing evidence that years in service are connected to higher levels of exposure to PFAS chemicals in AFFF. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that for every 10 years of firefighting service, serum levels of PFDA increased by 8%, while PFDoA serum levels increased by 19%. PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid) and PFDoA (perfluorododecanoic acid) may be detectable in both legacy and modern AFFF products.

Additionally, two types of PFAS have been classified as carcinogenic and possibly carcinogenic. The following cancers have been associated with PFAS chemicals from AFFF:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Male breast cancer
• Thyroid cancer

ELG Law can help you file an AFFF claim

Career and volunteer firefighters who have been diagnosed with any of the cancers mentioned may qualify for claims, as long as the two-year requirement is met. If you would like to file a claim, your documentation of AFFF exposure through years of duties and advanced responsibilities will strengthen your case. To start the filing process, contact ELG Law for a free case evaluation.