Specialized firefighter roles and the risk of AFFF exposure

Prior to obtaining specialized certifications, firefighters must complete Firefighter I and Firefighter II training, which means they must have worked as firefighters for at least two years before transitioning to advanced roles. As firefighters progress, they are more likely to experience repeated exposure to AFFF.

High-risk specialized roles

Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Personnel: Firefighters involved in ARFF are most at risk of exposure to AFFF because foam is routinely stored and used for aircraft incidents and airport drills. Airport firefighters have been reported to have elevated serum PFAS levels and metabolic changes due to AFFF exposure. They are repeatedly exposed to high levels of AFFF during training and emergency response exercises.

Training Instructors and Burn Range Personnel: While controlling and extinguishing burns, instructors repeatedly come into contact with AFFF. Over time, soils and runoff from burn ranges become PFAS reservoirs, contaminating the environment. Over the course of many burns, instructors accumulate significant exposure to PFAS, making training events a major source of exposure.

HazMat Technicians and Foam Handlers: Their direct contact with AFFF concentrates increases both inhalation and dermal exposure compared to incidental contact. Direct AFFF handling has been identified as an activity with a high exposure level, with unions and regulators specifically mentioning handlers when discussing mitigation measures.

There are also other specialized roles at risk:

• Industrial and Chemical Plant Firefighters: Using foam regularly to extinguish Class B fires involving flammable liquids
• Military Firefighters: AFFF has historically been used heavily on military bases, resulting in sustained high levels of exposure
• Station Mechanics and Apparatus Cleaners: Workers are exposed to concentrated residues during routine maintenance of tanks, hoses, and foam systems
• Gear Launderers: Poor cleaning practices can transfer PFAS residues to protective equipment and recontaminate it

Multiple exposure pathways affect specialized personnel

There are various ways in which firefighters can be exposed to PFAS. Turnout gear, gloves, hoods, and wildland gear have been found to contain PFAS compounds, with wear and tear releasing more chemicals. Safety equipment can also act as a source of exposure.

Contact with contaminated gear can cause skin absorption. Aerosol foams and contaminated dust are inhaled and ingested through mouth-to-mouth contact. When foam is not actively used, station environments may still contain PFAS as a result of equipment storage and cleaning.

ELG Law represents specialized firefighters

ELG Law understands the risks associated with AFFF exposure for firefighters who played specialized roles in firefighting. If you developed cancer after being exposed to the AFFF, ELG Law can help. Over 35 years of experience in toxic exposure cases allows us to leverage your certifications and role documentation for the strongest possible claim.

Most specialized firefighters possess extensive exposure documentation in the form of training records, incident reports, and certification requirements. Our attorneys will evaluate your case for free and fight for maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. ELG Law can assist you with your AFFF exposure claim based on your specialized firefighter training and role.