By Michael Bartlett on April 25th, 2025 in PFAS/AFFF
For decades, civilian and military firefighters were exposed to the toxic chemicals that are the main iongredient in AFFF, namely PFAS. These chemicals have been linked with different medical conditions, with strong evidence of an association with kidney cancer.
The hazards of using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) lie in its key component, called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS is a group of over 15,000 complex chemicals found almost everywhere after decades of industrial production of fluorine-based products like AFFF, cooking ware, food packaging, and many more. Because of their persistent nature, these 'forever chemicals' became an environmental and health concern.
High-risk groups, who constantly face toxic exposure from AFFF products, are facing an increased risk of developing kidney cancer. These groups include civilian firefighters in the U.S., affecting both career firefighters and volunteer firefighters. Additionally, kidney cancer was found to be more commonly diagnosed in military veterans than in the general population. Because of the usage of AFFF in their service, veteran military firefighters are facing some of the highest risks of getting kidney damage and, worse, developing kidney cancer.
PFAS enters the human body through different pathways. These chemicals can circulate through the bloodstream and pass through the kidneys, where they are supposed to be filtered. However, research has found that this is not always the case. They may accumulate in different parts of the body, cause damage through oxidative stress and other disruptions, and eventually contribute to cancer development.
Since PFAS do not break down easily, our bodies would need to get rid of them through waste like urine. As they pass through the kidneys, the body also tries to reabsorb useful substances involving special proteins called transporters that have the ability to grab certain molecules and pull them back to the bloodstream.
A study from the journal Toxicological Sciences examines the relationship between PFAS and kidney function by focusing on the functions of two specific transporters, the OAT4 and URAT1. Researchers discovered that the OAT4 transporter can actively reabsorb several types of PFAS back into the blood. In turn, these toxic substances stay in the human body for a long time, and because this process is located within the innermost parts of the kidneys, they are virtually undetectable.
Other studies have suggested a connection between exposure to PFAS and oxidative stress, an imbalance involving too many free radicals and insufficient antioxidants; PFAS begin to damage cells and tissues and may lead to abnormal cell growth. Furthermore, research also indicates that prolonged exposure to PFAS may cause chronic inflammation in the kidneys, creating a tumor-conducive environment.
Kidney cancer is among the most common forms of cancer in America, and it may be challenging to detect, especially when the symptoms can be subtle and undetectable in the early stages. Aside from the absence of visible signs, there is no widely recommended screening test for this life-threatening disease that claims over 14,000 Americans annually.
Many studies have associated high PFAS exposure with higher risks of developing kidney cancer. For example, a study in Environmental International found that exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) increases the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. PFOA is one of the most widely studied PFAS types, as it is detectable in AFFF stocks that civilian and military firefighters used in their service.
If you have been diagnosed with AFFF-related kidney cancer and you served as a civilian or military firefighter, you may file an AFFF exposure claim. To initiate the claim process, you need to prepare your medical records as well as supporting documents that show your history of using AFFF as a military firefighter, like your military records. Let our experienced AFFF claim attorneys review your case so we can fight for the compensation you deserve.