By Treven Pyles
Posted on August 21st, 2024
For decades, civilian and military firefighters have been exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in AFFF. These chemicals, called PFAS, have been strongly linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer. If you served as a civilian firefighter or military firefighter, you may be eligible for an AFFF claim for your kidney cancer diagnosis.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are complex synthetic chemicals that are harmful to humans when occupational exposure occurs or when they are widespread in the environment, and they have been strongly linked to kidney cancer. PFAS are unique chemicals because they are resistant to water, oil, and degradation due to their distinct carbon-fluorine bond. These properties made them very effective as components of many industrial products, including the widely used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used by military firefighters at military bases and by civilian firefighters in fire departments.
However, the same unique properties render these chemicals hazardous as they are persistent in our environment and detectable in human blood. The versatile use and environmental persistence of PFAS have increased concerns about their health impacts, including the risk of kidney cancer. Kidney cancer is a complex disease with several risk factors. Aside from genetic factors, environmental factors play a critical role in triggering the development of kidney cancer.
Cancer-causing chemicals in AFFF: Studies reveal a link between PFAS and kidney cancer
Recent studies provide valuable insight into PFAS exposure and kidney cancer risk. The most extensive study conducted to date to verify the association of PFAS and risk for kidney cancer was published in 2020, and it was found that individuals with the highest perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels were over twice as likely to develop kidney cancer.
The Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB) investigators conducted a case-control study to verify the risk of kidney cancer in relation to serum PFAS concentrations. The findings suggested an increased risk of kidney cancer with higher exposure to PFAS.
The multiethnic cohort study, as the name suggests, explored the relationship between blood PFAS levels and kidney cancer risk in a diverse population consisting of various racial groups. This study suggests an increased kidney cancer risk in participants with high levels of PFAS, and it was most seen among African American participants.
Epidemiological studies on PFAS and kidney cancer
Epidemiological studies involving populations exposed to PFAS, including exposure at the workplace, have shown a high incidence of kidney cancer in areas with high exposure levels. The IARC has considered this as suggestive evidence that PFAS exposure may be a potential risk factor for kidney cancer.
Due to their higher PFAS exposure levels, populations involved in certain occupations, such as firefighters, have been identified as high-risk populations. Civilian and military firefighters face high risks of exposure to PFAS chemicals after AFFF has been used by the military and fire departments for decades.
ELG Law provides legal assistance for AFFF-exposure victims
If you are a civilian or military firefighter who has been exposed to AFFF and you received a diagnosis of kidney cancer, you can hold the manufacturers accountable for your injury and claim financial compensation. While money cannot reduce your suffering, the compensation can ease the financial burden that your kidney cancer diagnosis can cause.
We encourage you to contact the dedicated attorneys of Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., experienced in handling AFFF claims for kidney cancer.
