The chances of the general population developing testicular cancer are less. However, military firefighters who have used AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), a fire suppressant, have a higher chance of developing this ailment than others.
It’s because AFFF comprises PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances), a cluster of carcinogenic substances. Each time they use this hazardous foam, the firefighters get exposed to poisonous chemicals, despite wearing protective gear.
Testicular cancer has been estimated to be the fifth most common cancer that military firefighters suffer from. Out of the entire 9,000 substances that comprise the PFAS group, it is PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) that has the strongest link with this disease.
In this article, we will shed light on the link between AFFF and testicular cancer and also share how victims can file a lawsuit to get covered for their suffering due to the disease.
The Use of AFFF & Its Side Effects
For decades, AFFF was used by the U.S. military branches for extinguishing fuel-based fires. PFAS in the foam stays in the human body and environment for long periods, which earns it the name “forever chemicals”.
Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Agency for Toxic Substances have recognized the probable links of PFAS with different types of cancer, which include testicular cancer.
According to a study, young men who were exposed to PFAS for a prolonged period experienced different reproductive issues. The problems can range from lower testosterone activity that leads to reduced sperm counts to smaller genitalia. All these changes can lead to testicular cancer.
Gary Flook’s Story Is an Eye-Opener
In August 2023, PBS News Hour reported the account of Gary Flook, who suffered immensely due to AFFF exposure. Gary had worked in the Air Force as a firefighter in Indiana, getting trained with AFFF daily.
As a volunteer for the local fire department, Gary has been using this foam, not knowing about the potential health hazards. In 2000, when he was 45 years old, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and was told to opt for an orchiectomy after chemotherapy.
Once he received this news, Gary filed an AFFF lawsuit against the AFFF manufacturers, which make firefighting products using toxic chemicals. However, the association between PFAS and testicular cancer amongst the service members has not been directly proven yet.
A federal study establishes a link between PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), which is a PFAS chemical that is visible in the bloodstream of several military professionals, and testicular cancer. The researchers at the ‘Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences’ and the ‘National Cancer Institute’ studied the banked blood samples of Air Force servicemen.
They found that the firefighters had high PFAS levels in their bloodstream. Mark Purdue, senior investigator at NCI, said that the airmen who developed testicular cancer recorded increased serum levels of PFOS compared to the ones who didn’t have cancer.
Purdue further asserted that, as per his understanding, this was the first study to evaluate PFAS levels amongst the U.S. military population as well as to research on the link with a cancer endpoint within the group, so that there is fresh evidence to count on.
How Does AFFF Exposure Result in Testicular Cancer?
When it comes to AFFF exposure, it takes almost 15 years for testicular cancer to develop. Therefore, military and civilian firefighters who have been exposed to AFFF need to take care of their health and be aware of the following symptoms:
- A lump on either testicle that does not cause any pain
- Discomfort in the testicle
- Development of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back pain
All these are signs of testicular cancer, and people need to get medically checked to get a correct diagnosis.
The formula for AFFF was devised by 3M Company and the U.S. Navy back in 1966. It comprises 98% PFAS, which negatively affects firefighters who come in contact with it.
And adding more to the hazards, the turnout gear used by military and civilian firefighters comprises chemicals that provide security against excess fire and heat. With time, as the turnout gear wears out completely, it releases PFAS, which the firefighters might inhale.
Therefore, firefighters and others who have developed testicular cancer due to AFFF exposure should get in touch with a lawyer and file a lawsuit. It will help them to get financial compensation to cover the damages and suffering they endured.
TorHoerman Law states that victims should provide their lawyers with every piece of evidence for them to develop a strong case. That way, they can get compensated for lost wages, medical costs, permanent disability, future medical expenses, punitive damages, and loss of consortium.
Conclusion
Firefighters, on most occasions, wouldn’t be able to escape from AFFF exposure. But they can take the necessary measures to remain safe. For instance, when it comes to the turnout protective gear, they should wear it only when required, or else they can get adversely affected.
Making use of fluorine-free foam is also an alternative, but that might take some time to get implanted. However, until then, military and civilian firefighters should report their testicular cancer, get the required medical treatment, and then seek legal help.
