By Treven Pyles on June 19th, 2025 in PFAS/AFFF
PFAS found in firefighting foam have been linked to thyroid disease in recent years. Exposure to a firefighter's thyroid gland can result in severe health problems, as it controls metabolism, growth, and development throughout life.
Thyroid disorders affect millions of Americans, and many cases go undiagnosed. PFAS chemicals can interfere with thyroid hormone production and regulation, resulting in long-term health consequences.
The C8 Science Panel determined in 2012 that available epidemiologic data presented sufficient evidence to conclude there is a link between PFOA exposure and thyroid disease, establishing one of the first formal connections between PFAS and diagnosed thyroid conditions. Research has documented potential links between PFOA and PFOS exposure and thyroid disease development in exposed populations.
Studies examining PFAS-exposed populations have identified thyroid disease as a condition of particular concern, with some research showing measurable associations between exposure levels and disease diagnosis. Firefighters, who are frequently exposed to PFAS-containing firefighting foam (AFFF), showed a higher prevalence of thyroid disease, according to a 2023 study in Occupational Medicine, suggesting prolonged exposure may have cumulative effects on thyroid health.
The pattern of increased thyroid disease diagnosis in PFAS-exposed populations provides evidence beyond laboratory hormone measurements, pointing to actual clinical thyroid conditions requiring medical treatment and ongoing monitoring.
Research has documented thyroid disorder diagnoses among firefighters who have used AFFF throughout their careers. Hypothyroidism emerged as a frequently diagnosed thyroid condition among occupationally exposed firefighters.
Firefighters are exposed to PFAS in their working environment due to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), contaminated equipment, and occupational exposure. PFAS accumulate over years of service due to chronic exposure to foam, inhalation during training, and absorption through turnout gear.
Research can help establish the link between workplace exposures and health outcomes by tracking disease patterns in occupational cohorts. PFAS exposure has broader implications for thyroid health in firefighters.
The Environmental Law Group represents firefighters who suffer from thyroid disease as a result of toxic exposure to AFFF. If you worked as a firefighter and used AFFF, we will examine your medical records and employment records to determine whether toxic exposure caused your thyroid condition.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't have to pay us until we recover compensation on your behalf. We can help you maximize your chances of winning if you have thyroid disease associated with AFFF.