Firefighting foam, also called aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), is widely used to put out flammable liquid fires. AFFF’s efficiency comes from its rapid spread over hydrocarbon fuel surfaces, quickly extinguishing flames. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, a class of artificial compounds, are crucial to AFFF. They enable rapid spread and efficient fire suppression.
These substances, known as “forever chemicals”, persist in the environment and living organisms, gaining their notorious moniker. Let us examine the biomolecular mechanism behind PFAS’ chemical footprint.
PFAs are a Persistent Foe
Since the 1940s, PFAS has been utilized in numerous industries worldwide. Because they resist oil, water, and heat, these substances are used in numerous consumer products and industrial applications.
Perfluoroalkyl groups in these artificial organic materials are incredibly resilient to metabolic and environmental deterioration. Due to their strong C-F bonds and the ensuing high thermal and chemical stability, PFAS are ecologically persistent. Thanks to this, they can withstand deterioration and endure longer in the environment.
However, due to their extensive use and environmental persistence, they have contaminated the environment extensively, including municipal water supplies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulated PFAS chemicals due to recognized potential risks. Despite these efforts, PFAS contamination is still a major threat to the environment and public health.
Exposure to PFAS May Pose Health Risks
PFAS can interact with a variety of biological pathways and alter metabolism because of their structural similarity to fatty acids. They trigger the activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs), which are essential for oncogenesis, cellular functions, and gene expression. PFAS-induced changes in PPARs disrupt cell differentiation and metabolism.
Exposure to PFAS also increases oxidative stress, which damages cells and is associated with diseases like cancer and heart problems. PFAS interferes with lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of dyslipidemia, a cardiovascular condition. It also alters platelet response and calcium signaling, raising cardiovascular disease risk. Moreover, exposure to PFAS may cause inflammation, which is a precursor to cancer and DNA damage.
There are several harmful health effects associated with long-term exposure to PFAS. According to studies, these substances can gradually build up in the body and raise the risk of many illnesses. These include:
- Cancer: Suggestions indicate that exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers.
- Thyroid disease: Studies have discovered a connection between thyroid disease and exposure to PFAS.
- Ulcerative colitis: There may be a link between ulcerative colitis and exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
- Effect on the immune system: Prolonged exposure to PFAS may affect the immune system. According to the National Toxicology Program, human studies show moderate evidence that PFOA and PFOS exposure suppress animal antibody responses.
- Elevated cholesterol levels: Exposure to a particular PFAS has been linked to elevated cholesterol levels as well.
- Preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension: Preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension have been linked to exposure to PFOA and PFOS.
Occupational Exposure to PFAS and the AFFF Lawsuit
Some professions are more likely to be exposed to PFAS because they use AFFF frequently, especially military firefighters. Due to their exposure to contaminated sites, they have elevated levels of PFAS in their blood. Occupational exposure can occur through ingesting contaminated water, inhaling aerosols from foam, or direct skin contact with the foam.
In reaction, multiple victims filed a firefighter foam lawsuit against AFFF manufacturers, leading to a multi-party lawsuit (MDL). This action stems from severe health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
These lawsuits claim manufacturers failed to warn the public about PFAS health risks despite knowing them. According to TorHoerman Law, settlements for some of these cases involving firefighting foam can be sizable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AFFF still in use?
The use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, which contains PFAS chemicals, is being phased out in many regions, including the USA. Several states have enacted regulations to limit or prohibit the use and sale of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. Certain industries, such as aviation and petrochemicals, may continue using AFFF until suitable alternatives are more widely available and adopted.
What do you use in place of AFFF foam?
For firefighting, safer alternatives to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, which contains environmentally harmful PFAS chemicals, are being adopted. Fluorine-Free Foams (F3) and Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foams (SFFF) are notable substitutes. F3 foams avoid PFAS chemicals and are formulated using alternative, less harmful surfactants.
What effects do PFAs have on health?
PFAS exposure is linked to serious health conditions, including various cancers (such as kidney and testicular cancer) and thyroid disease. Additionally, PFAS exposure can lead to immune system impairments, developmental delays in children, and poorer pregnancy outcomes. Other reported effects include changes in liver enzymes and cholesterol levels.
What types of cancers does AFFF cause?
The types of cancer associated with AFFF exposure include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer and pancreatic cancer. Also, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer are linked to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. These cancers may develop due to the carcinogenic properties of PFAS.
Although AFFF is effective in firefighting, its risks to human health and the environment must be considered. More research is imperative to completely comprehend the scope of these risks and create safer alternatives. Regulatory bodies must monitor and regulate these chemicals to protect public health and the environment.