By Treven Pyles on June 26th, 2025 in PFAS/AFFF
Research has found suggestive evidence that exposure to PFAS chemicals in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is associated with an increased risk of ulcerative colitis. Firefighters who develop this condition may be eligible to file AFFF exposure claims.
Nearly 1 in 100 Americans is diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, and over 1.25 million have ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis often begins in early adulthood, meaning many firefighters are of working age when diagnosed with this debilitating condition.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be severe and include diarrhea, intense cramping, rectal bleeding, and fatigue. Firefighters who suffer from this condition deserve compensation for their occupational exposure. Recently, there has been compelling evidence that environmental exposures, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in firefighting foam, are associated with increased risk of ulcerative colitis; therefore, firefighters can file AFFF exposure claims for ulcerative colitis.
Several studies have found a connection between PFAS exposure and gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis. The National Academies reported in 2022 that there was suggestive evidence of an increased risk of ulcerative colitis among adults. In particular, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the type of PFAS compound that was associated with ulcerative colitis.
Another study, published in Environmental Research, looked at PFOA levels in the blood of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) conditions. They found that PFOA levels in the blood were higher in patients with UC than in control subjects and patients with Crohn's disease.
Firefighters are exposed to PFAS through aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), turnout gear, and other sources. Chemicals such as PFAS bioaccumulate and disrupt the immune system. In addition to chemicals, firefighters are exposed to combustion products that can affect immune and inflammatory pathways due to their unique occupational exposures.
If you developed ulcerative colitis after being exposed to AFFF during your firefighting career, you may have grounds to file a claim.
If you are a firefighter who was exposed to AFFF while on the job, you have legal options available. You can file an AFFF exposure claim to seek compensation for your ulcerative colitis diagnosis.
ELG Law can check your eligibility for claims. To start the filing process, you need to prepare the following:
ELG Law has been helping victims of toxic exposure for decades. Legal assistance is available to firefighters who have been exposed to AFFF during the course of their careers. Upon reviewing your documentation, we will assess your eligibility. We can help you file an AFFF exposure claim for ulcerative colitis while you focus on your treatment and recovery.