By Michael Bartlett on June 19th, 2025 in PFAS/AFFF
In recent years, there has been mounting evidence that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) disrupt thyroid function. Firefighters have been using PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to combat petroleum-based fires for decades, posing a special risk to them.
Direct contact with AFFF in training exercises and emergency response, as well as contaminated turnout gear and fire stations, expose firefighters to these persistent chemicals repeatedly.
Thyroid hormones control critical functions, including metabolism, brain development, and growth throughout life. For firefighters, PFAS exposure is especially concerning because these chemicals accumulate in the body over time, and thyroid disruption can cause lasting health problems, making early detection and monitoring essential for those who have used AFFF.
Those exposed to AFFF should monitor for symptoms indicative of thyroid dysfunction:
There have been scientific investigations into the effects of PFAS compounds on thyroid cells, which can lead to multiple types of disruptions. Chemicals like these reduce thyroperoxidase activity, an enzyme vital for thyroid hormone production. Furthermore, it inhibits sodium/iodide symporter activity and competitive mechanisms that interfere with iodine uptake by thyroid cells.
Animal studies reveal alarming effects on reproductive health and development. There is evidence that PFAS accumulate in the placenta during pregnancy, and that both conventional PFAS and newer alternatives like GenX reduced thyroid hormone levels in pregnant mice. Placental disruptions may affect fetal brain development during critical periods.
Both long-chain PFAS, like PFOS and PFOA, and their newer replacements demonstrate thyroid-disrupting properties. Zebrafish studies reveal that chronic PFOS exposure alters thyroid follicular cell structure and causes significant damage to cellular organelles, including mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.
Multiple exposure sources expose widespread groups to PFAS contamination. The use of AFFF in firefighting poses elevated risks for firefighters:
There are many serious health problems associated with exposure to AFFF, including thyroid disorders that may require lifelong medical treatment and may cause significant health complications. Medical expenses and related damages may be recoverable through legal action when toxic exposure contributes to thyroid disorders.
ELG Law has extensive experience with environmental toxic exposure cases and offers free case evaluations. Our team reviews your medical and employment records to see if AFFF exposure during your firefighting career may be responsible for your thyroid condition. Firefighters will need to retrieve their employment records showing AFFF use to file a claim.