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Study Reports Firefighting Foam Increases Risk of Testicular Cancer

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been used to put out fuel-based fires for decades. Although it is very effective in fire control, firefighting foam raises growing concerns about the health risks tied to its chemical composition. The per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam have attracted attention due to their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. A recent groundbreaking study focused on the connection between exposure to AFFF and testicular cancer among U.S. Air Force personnel. The findings indicated that firefighting foam increases the risk of testicular cancer.   

Testing Methods Used to Examine the Link Between Firefighting Foam and Testicular Cancer

The study, spearheaded by the National Cancer Institute, has unearthed more information on dangerous illnesses associated with firefighting foam. Federal researchers examined 1,060 active-duty Air Force personnel, half of whom were controls. The study aimed to observe the relationship between PFAS concentrations and the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). The team analyzed various PFAS chemicals, exposure rates, and cancer diagnoses in participants.  

Startling Findings Show Firefighting Foam Increases Risk of Testicular Cancer 

According to researchers, this is the largest study of PFAS exposure and testicular cancer conducted to date. Based on the results, service members stationed and living at a base where drinking water carried elevated levels of PFAS concentrations faced a 4.6-fold higher likelihood of developing testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) compared to their counterparts who did not experience such exposure.  

The researchers found certain occupations were linked to higher PFAS levels. For example, firefighters frequently encounter PFAS through firefighting foam. Therefore, the study discovered that Air Force firefighters had notably higher amounts of PFAS in their systems due to their occupation. 

Also, researchers found elevated levels of PFAS in subjects with a history of being stationed at Air Force facilities where PFOS/PFOA concentrations in drinking water exceeded the 2016 EPA Lifetime Health Advisory. 

Firefighting Foam Lawsuits September 2023 

There are over 5,000 firefighting foam lawsuits filed in federal court as of September 2023. Some of these lawsuits involve firefighters or military service members who developed cancer after exposure to PFAS. Others concern individuals who drank PFAS-contaminated water near military bases or firefighting foam dump sites.  

Recently, the 3M Company, one of the manufacturers implicated in firefighting foam lawsuits, announced a settlement to resolve PFAS water contamination claims. The company has offered over $10.3 billion to settle claims that it polluted public water supplies. But this settlement only focuses on AFFF water contamination claims filed by local water suppliers. In short, personal injury claims are not part of this settlement.  

The Lake Law Firm Fights for Those Harmed by AFFF 

Have you or a loved one developed cancer after exposure to firefighting foam? You may qualify for a firefighting foam lawsuit. The Lake Law Firm is supporting individuals and communities impacted by the dangerous chemicals in this fire suppressant. Call (888) 525-3529 to find out if you are eligible for a potential claim.