For decades, firefighters have battled fuel-based flames with Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), which do not readily break down and can build up in the body, are found aplenty in this foam.
Frequent AFFF exposure increases one’s risk of serious medical problems, including cancer. Many firefighters are now discovering the long-term effects of handling AFFF throughout their careers.
Those who come into contact with AFFF may have legal options should they develop health problems linked to PFAS. A qualified AFFF lawsuit lawyer can assist affected employees in understanding their rights and pursuing compensation.
Not only are firefighters in danger; but numerous other professions involve frequent interaction with AFFF. This article takes a look at the various professions with an increased risk of AFF exposure.
Firefighters: The Highest Risk Group
The highest risk of AFFF exposure is among civilian and military firefighters. They apply this foam in equipment maintenance, emergency responses, and training drills. PFAS chemicals can be inhaled during firefighting activities or absorbed via the skin, even with protective gear.
- Firefighters often come into contact with AFFF-coated gear, increasing their exposure risks.
- Many times, training activities involve direct AFFF use without appropriate decontamination practices.
- Firehouses near AFFF storage facilities may have compromised water and air sources.
Military Personnel
Since the 1960s, the U.S. military has made considerable use of AFFF, mostly for aircraft and fuel fire suppression. Over the years, base personnel, aircraft maintenance staff, and military firefighters have all come in contact with PFAS. Contaminated base water supplies could pose potential risks for those in non-firefighting roles.
- Many times, military bases used AFFF for live fire training, resulting in prolonged exposure.
- On aircraft carriers and airfields, Navy and Air Force service members worked closely with AFFF.
- Near bases, groundwater contamination has impacted ex-service personnel as well as entire communities.
Airport Workers and Emergency Response Teams
AFFF is what airports use to rapidly put out jet fuel fires. This foam is used in training and actual crises by aircraft rescue firefighters and emergency responders at airports. Regular exposure increases their risk of developing AFFF-related medical problems.
- Many times, emergency drills involve direct handling of AFFF.
- Because they stockpile and maintain AFFF, airport firemen deal with long-term exposure concerns.
- Over time, PFAS chemicals affect workers as they can linger in soil and water sources at airports.
Industrial Firefighters and Chemical Plant Workers
AFFF is also used in industrial facilities when handling hazardous products to suppress flames. This foam is what keeps explosive flames from spreading in chemical factories and oil refineries. Employees in these settings may be exposed to PFAS both during regular safety checks and emergencies.
- Large volumes of AFFF are often needed during oil refinery fires, which greatly increase worker exposure.
- Chemical plant staff operate fire suppression systems including PFAS-based foam.
- Equipment and contaminated work surfaces contribute to long-term health risks.
Shipyard Workers and Maritime Firefighters
Historically, AFFF has been employed in shipyards and navy vessels to fight fuel-based fires at sea. AFFF is commonly used in emergency drills and equipment tests, putting maintenance staff and firefighters on ships at risk. Exposure to foam containing PFAS over time increases the chance of major medical problems.
- Sailors and maritime workers are regularly exposed to AFFF as they conduct firefighting training on ships.
- Equipment that has been contaminated may come into contact with shipyard employees during vessel maintenance.
- Shipboard firefighting system wastewater can contaminate nearby water supplies, thereby compromising entire coastal communities.