Exposure to the toxic chemicals present in AFFF can lead to pancreatic cancer

The primary source of fluorinated chemicals is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which civilian and military firefighters have used since the 1960s to extinguish class B fires. These are fires that start by igniting flammable liquids such as alcohol, fuels, and oils. Scientific research and court documents would later reveal that AFFF contained a dangerous class of chemicals called PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of toxic substances that easily accumulate in the blood and are carcinogenic. Out of this group of chemicals, which includes over 4,000 substances, PFOS and PFOA are the most studied at the moment, as they are associated with a high risk of developing numerous serious diseases, including pancreatic cancer.

The U.S. Navy has developed AFFF with the help of the company 3M and, because of its effectiveness in putting out fires, has been utilized for this purpose ever since. Recently, more and more people have begun developing terrible diseases due to having been exposed to PFAS chemicals at military bases where AFFF was used. Military firefighters who use AFFF for training and responding to emergencies have high risks of exposure from using AFFF. Because PFAS are forever contaminants, they persist in the environment once released, making it extremely difficult for agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up.

The link between PFAS and pancreatic cancer

A study conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program on PFOA and pancreatic cancer found that the safe limit of this chemical in the environment is 0.1 parts per trillion (ppt), which is significantly lower than the 70 ppt permissible limit set by the EPA.

Furthermore, exposure to PFOA for 7 days caused oxidative stress in the pancreas in mice, which is a condition that develops before the occurrence of pancreatic cancer. The mice that were part of the study eventually developed both benign and malignant pancreatic tumors. At the moment, two types of PFAS are considered 'carcinogenic' and 'possibly carcinogenic' to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. These two chemicals (PFOA and PFOS) are detectable in legacy AFFF stocks.

When a carcinogen enters the body, it creates free radicals, which are the precursors of oxidative stress. So far, numerous people have struggled with pancreatic cancer several years after they were stationed at a military base where AFFF was used. It is important to know that if you developed pancreatic cancer from using AFFF as a military firefighter, you are entitled to financial compensation, which a lawyer specializing in toxic exposure can help you recover. The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• nausea and vomiting
• fatigue
• jaundice
• dark urine
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• unexplained weight loss
• bloating or feeling of fullness
• itchy skin

It is worth noting that a significant number of people with pancreatic cancer first receive a diagnosis of diabetes, which is correlated with this disease. Similarly, in people who already have diabetes, the condition may worsen. Therefore, if you experienced one or more of the symptoms above after years of AFFF exposure as a military firefighter, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, our attorneys will help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your suffering. You may get this compensation through an AFFF claim for pancreatic cancer or a VA disability claim for pancreatic cancer.

Quality legal assistance for military firefighters who developed pancreatic cancer

With extensive knowledge and resources, our attorneys can provide you with legal assistance in obtaining the compensation you deserve for your suffering. Although the legal process is very complex and tedious, it will require minimal involvement on your part, as you only have to send your attorney your military records as a military firefighter, which you must retrieve, and your medical documents.

Our experienced legal team will efficiently handle the rest of the filing process. In addition, your claim will also be filed with the VA if you are eligible, so that you can receive disability compensation since your toxic exposure occurred while you were on active duty. Eventually, you may obtain the most favorable outcome for your case if you decide to work with our law firm. Civilian firefighters can also file AFFF claims if they have a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and they can prove AFFF use with their employment records.