Posted on August 22nd, 2024
Civilian and military firefighters have been exposed to the toxic chemicals found in AFFF for decades. One of the many PFAS types has been linked to a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer, particularly papillary thyroid cancer.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic fluorine-based compounds that have been useful and popular because they do not interact with most materials, and they are long-lasting. They were used in different products, like waterproof gear and firefighting foam. The problem, however, is that they are very hard to detect, difficult to study, and almost impossible to remove from the body once they accumulate in the blood and in the organs.
Studies have found that PFAS can affect thyroid health and may increase thyroid cancer risk
When PFAS accumulates in the blood or in the organs, it can disrupt thyroid function or interfere with the body's hormonal balance. PFAS exposure was found to have negative impacts on thyroid health, in general. Some studies explored how PFAS can interfere with the body's iodine uptake, which may lead to thyroid disease. A study found a 56% increase in the rate of thyroid cancer diagnosis for every doubling of PFOS in the plasma of patients, showing a positive association between thyroid cancer incidence and PFOS exposure. This association was also applicable to papillary thyroid cancer cases. Alarmingly, PFOS is abundant in legacy AFFF stocks, which means that civilian and military firefighters who used AFFF may be at high risk of developing this condition.
For high-risk groups: Watch out for the thyroid cancer signs and symptoms
About 97% of residents of the United States have PFAS in their serum, which confirms people are extensively exposed to the toxic chemical. The American Cancer Society estimates 44,020 new thyroid cancer cases in the US during the year 2024. Thyroid cancer develops slowly without any apparent symptoms initially. One of the high-risk groups that was most vulnerable to these chemicals was civilian and military firefighters, who used AFFF to fight liquid fires in training and responding to emergencies. If you believe that you have been exposed to PFAS after using AFFF in firefighting, you need to watch out for the following symptoms and seek subsequent medical attention:
- A painless neck swelling in the front portion
- Hoarseness in voice
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Soreness in the throat
- Lymph node swelling in the neck
We can help you file your claim for AFFF-related thyroid cancer
With over 30 years of experience, ELG is always ready to provide quality legal assistance. Our attorneys are prepared to help civilian or military firefighters who have been exposed to AFFF and developed thyroid cancer. If you believe you qualify, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Our legal team requires records about your military service (for active and retired military firefighters) or employment records (for civilian firefighters). We also need your complete medical records, showing proof of thyroid cancer diagnosis. We will check whether you are eligible to file a claim, and if you are, our attorneys can file your AFFF claim on your behalf.
