Firefighters and prostate cancer: Legal help for AFFF exposure

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. In the United States, about 1 in 8 men will develop this condition in their lifetime. Age is a major risk factor, which is why the majority of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are aged 65 years or older. However, exposure to hazardous chemicals at work can increase a person's risk of developing cancer, particularly military and civilian firefighters who used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for decades.

In a 2024 study published in the Cancers journal, researchers found that 404 out of 1058 firefighters with prostate cancer were diagnosed at between 55 and 64 years old, far younger than the general population median age of 67 years old.

PFAS can directly target the prostate and increase cancer risk

The problem with AFFF, an effective extinguisher for liquid fires, is the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) content in its formula. Two types of PFAS present in legacy AFFF stocks, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), have been classified as carcinogenic and possibly carcinogenic to humans, respectively. PFAS have been linked with disrupting hormones, affecting DNA methylation, and inducing oxidative stress. All of these effects can contribute to the development of cancer.

A study published in Biochemical Pharmacology in 2022 reported that PFAS chemicals could directly target human prostate stem cells, potentially affecting their capacity to proliferate. When the prostate stem cells were grafted into mice that were constantly fed with PFOS, they found that PFAS compounds could enhance tumor growth and progression.

More and more studies are shedding light on the effects of PFAS on the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, legal support is also available if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer after AFFF exposure at work.

Legal claims for AFFF exposure: eligibility and requirements

The Environmental Litigation Group offers legal assistance to civilian firefighters and military firefighters in filing AFFF exposure claims against AFFF manufacturers. Military veterans are also eligible for VA claims on top of AFFF exposure claims. The following eligibility criteria and documentary requirements are needed for an evaluation:

For active or veteran military firefighters:

• You served at a contaminated military base and have documents showing your AFFF exposure during service.
• You have been diagnosed with a PFAS-associated condition like prostate cancer, and have the medical records with your diagnosis.

For civilian firefighters:

• You have been exposed to AFFF during your firefighting career and have employment records documenting your exposure.
• You have been diagnosed with a PFAS-associated condition like prostate cancer, and have the medical records showing your diagnosis.

ELG offers legal assistance for military and civilian firefighters exposed to AFFF

We have been assisting toxic exposure victims for more than three decades, and we understand the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. This is why we offer a case evaluation at no cost to you. What we need from you are the documents mentioned above. If you are eligible, we will file your AFFF exposure claim.