Military firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect people and property. However, their bravery comes with a hidden cost. Firefighting foam, while essential for extinguishing certain fires, often contains harmful chemicals called per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
These “forever chemicals” linger in the environment and the body, potentially leading to serious health problems years down the road.
This article explores the long-term health effects of AFFF firefighting foam on military firefighters. We’ll examine the dangers of PFAS exposure and the steps that can be taken to mitigate them.
What Are PFAS and How Are Military Firefighters Exposed?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly found in various consumer products, including firefighting foam like Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). Military firefighters are routinely exposed to AFFF during training exercises and emergency responses.
These chemicals are highly effective in suppressing fuel fires, but their presence in firefighting foam poses significant health risks.
According to KFF Health News, Kurt Rhodes, a U.S. military firefighter, highlights the unawareness among many firefighters regarding the harmful effects of AFFF. Rhodes, like many others, trained and operated with AFFF without knowledge of its PFAS content.
He aptly describes the situation as akin to “Russian roulette,” where individuals are uncertain if they will develop health complications like cancer due to exposure.
The widespread use of AFFF has resulted in extensive water and soil contamination in over 700 active and former military installations. This contamination stems from industrial spills, improper disposal practices, and firefighting activities. Consequently, millions of people have potentially been exposed to PFAS, heightening concerns among scientists and public health experts.
Some individuals have undergone blood serum tests to assess their exposure levels. However, the lack of medical treatments to remove these chemicals from the body complicates the management of potential health risks.
Health Risks Associated With PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS poses significant health risks due to their ability to accumulate in the human body over time. Studies have linked their exposure to various adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and immune system disorders. Additionally, their exposure has been associated with birth defects.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has conducted evaluations on the carcinogenicity of two prominent PFAS compounds. These compounds are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
After conducting an extensive review, IARC categorized PFOA as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and PFOS as potentially carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). These classifications underscore the serious health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
TruLaw notes that the widespread use of PFAS-containing products, including AFFF in firefighting activities, has led to significant legal ramifications. Currently, 7,170 lawsuits are pending regarding AFFF, waiting to be consolidated through Multidistrict Litigations (MDLs) in the United States.
MDLs streamline the legal process by centralizing similar cases in a single federal district court. They facilitate efficient management of pretrial proceedings and ensure consistency in legal decisions.
The AFFF foam lawsuit has a growing number of cases added to its MDL. This underscores the urgency to address accountability and compensation for affected individuals.
As litigation progresses, it highlights the need for regulatory measures to minimize PFAS exposure. Additionally, comprehensive risk management strategies and support for those impacted by the detrimental health effects of these “forever chemicals are necessary.
What Can Military Firefighters Do to Reduce Their Risk of Exposure to PFAS?
Military firefighters can implement various measures to mitigate their risk of exposure, thereby safeguarding their health and well-being.
Firstly, ensuring the consistent use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during firefighting operations involving AFFF is paramount. This includes wearing protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory equipment to minimize direct contact and inhalation of PFAS-containing foam particles.
Moreover, firefighters should aim to minimize unnecessary exposure to AFFF by adopting alternative firefighting techniques or using PFAS-free foam substitutes. Practicing good hygiene habits such as washing hands and laundering clothes after handling AFFF can also help reduce residual contamination.
Furthermore, maintaining hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout firefighting shifts is essential. Adequate hydration can support the body’s natural detoxification processes and aid in flushing out toxins, potentially reducing the accumulation of PFAS.
Beyond individual actions, firefighting units should prioritize comprehensive training programs. These programs should emphasize awareness of PFAS exposure risks and best practices for minimizing contact.
Regular equipment maintenance and inspection protocols can help identify and address potential sources of the contamination in firefighting gear and apparatus. Collaboration with environmental and health agencies to monitor and mitigate the contamination in firefighting facilities and surrounding areas is also crucial.
What Can Be Done to Protect Firefighters From PFAS Exposure?
The Department of Defense (DoD) is actively working to protect military firefighters from PFAS exposure by implementing several key initiatives.
According to Military Times, one significant measure involves phasing out the use of AFFF containing PFAS. This move follows the publication of a new military specification by the Pentagon, as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
The specification mandates that any new firefighting foam procured by the DoD must be free of these harmful compounds. Additionally, the DoD had set a timeline to cease purchasing PFAS-containing AFFF by October 2023, with a further year allocated to eliminate its use.
Moreover, the DoD is investing in research and development efforts to develop alternative firefighting foams that do not contain these harmful chemicals. The efforts aim to provide safer alternatives for military firefighters while maintaining effective firefighting capabilities.
Furthermore, the DoD is actively addressing the contamination at military bases. A Pentagon PFAS task force, established in 2019, is leading efforts to assess the extent of contamination and oversee cleanup efforts. However, progress in cleaning up the contamination is expected to be gradual, given the limitations of existing technology.
Despite these challenges, the DoD remains committed to prioritizing the health and safety of military firefighters by taking proactive measures to mitigate the exposure.
In conclusion, the long-term health effects of firefighting foam on military firefighters pose a serious concern. While more research is needed to fully understand the risks, the potential link between PFAS exposure and various health problems cannot be ignored.
Military firefighters are a valuable asset, and it’s crucial to take steps to protect them. This includes continued research on these compounds, the development of safer firefighting foams, and the implementation of stricter safety protocols to minimize exposure.
By taking proactive measures, we can ensure that firefighters can serve their country with confidence, knowing their health is being safeguarded.
