For decades, firefighters in the military have relied on aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to battle the most challenging blazes. For many, working with firefighting foam was a daily affair. No one had the slightest inkling about the toxic secret lurking beneath the foam.
The very substance that has saved countless lives since the 1960s, has exposed brave men and women to a class of synthetic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
In the past few decades, the long-term health consequences of PFAS exposure have come to light. Many AFFF exposure survivors are stepping forward to file lawsuits against the manufacturers and share their stories.
In this article, we will explore a few untold stories of AFFF exposure survivors. We will shed light on the physical, emotional, and legal challenges in their fight for justice.
The Silent Struggle: Physical Health Consequences
According to TorHoerman Law, AFFF exposure has been linked to a myriad of severe health issues, with cancer being one of the most devastating consequences.
Studies have shown that PFAS, the key ingredient in AFFF, can increase the risk of various cancers, including thyroid, kidney, and colon cancer.
The firefighters and their families, who once lived in and around the military bases, are being diagnosed decades after their initial exposure.
Beyond cancer, AFFF exposure has also been associated with other chronic health conditions. In addition, a significant number of women who are, or were, exposed to the foam face an elevated likelihood of experiencing reproductive health complications.
And, sadly, even pregnant women and newborns have not been spared. There have been findings that PFAS concentrations in the body cause congenital defects in kids.
Many first responders believe that the military was well aware of the potential risks of long-term exposure to AFFF foam. In lawsuits filed, the plaintiffs have alleged that manufacturers like Dupont and 3M chose not to warn the military firefighters for profits.
The lack of long-term research and the extended latency periods of many AFFF (PFAS)-related illnesses make it difficult for survivors to establish a clear causal link. This, in turn, complicates the process of obtaining workers’ AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts.
By shining a light on the silent struggle of AFFF exposure survivors, we can begin to address this urgent public health crisis.
The Psychological Toll: Mental Health Impact
AFFF exposure survivors often face a heavy emotional burden, navigating fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about their future health. Guilt and anger over their exposure to AFFF can compound feelings of hopelessness and despair.
When a person is fighting mental health issues, the pain also trickles over to their loved ones. Within family dynamics, the financial strain and changing roles create tension and stress.
Recognizing the importance of good mental health support is crucial. Survivors can find solace in counseling, support groups, and peer assistance, creating a nurturing space to navigate emotions and acquire coping mechanisms.
Prioritizing open dialogue within the family and seeking expert guidance when necessary cultivates a network of support.
As we address the physical health consequences, we must also prioritize the mental well-being of survivors and their families. The pressing need is to advocate for policies ensuring access to mental health resources.
Survivor Stories of Anguish and Resilience
Within this segment, we shall recount the authentic accounts of individuals residing amid hope and bereavement. We will also talk about their quest for fair reparation and resolution.
It Took Dan a Lifetime To Convince The Law of His Pain
In 1975, Dan Casson made a life-altering decision to trade his passion for music for a uniform in the US military. Serving on the Air Force crash rescue team, AFFF foams were his constant companion.
However, the truth about the foam’s harmful PFAS contents was concealed throughout.
For him, his terminal cancer is a recurring reminder of the blatant betrayal and deceit he and his fellow firefighters were subject to. Dan’s struggle for justice has been arduous, filled with administrative challenges and medical battles.
Even with compelling evidence linking his cancer diagnosis to PFAS exposure, his pleas fell on deaf ears. Finally, in 2019, after years of struggle, the Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledged Dan’s sacrifice, granting him full disability compensation.
While the compensation couldn’t erase the trauma or bring back lost time, it offered a glimmer of hope. More importantly, it symbolized a small victory in the larger fight for justice for veterans like him.
For Gary, It Was Harmless Soap and Water for 37 Long Years
For over four decades, Gary Flook dedicated his life to serving in the Air Force, stationed as a firefighter at two different bases: Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois and Grissom Air Force Base in Indiana.
Day in and day out, he trained with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a seemingly innocuous substance, as he was told, that would later reveal its sinister nature.
In the year 2000, at the age of 45, Gary’s world came crashing down with a devastating diagnosis of testicular cancer. The shocking news left him inconsolable, and he had to face the grim reality of having an orchiectomy and then going through exhausting rounds of chemotherapy.
The toll extended far beyond the courtroom walls; the cancer left a trail of devastation in its wake, straining Gary’s marriage.
Their once vibrant relationship now bears the heavy burden of illness, robbing them of the love, support, and intimacy they once shared.
As Gary fights to keep his life together, he also fights for justice. With unwavering determination, he has taken legal action against the manufacturers of PFAS and firefighting foam, including industry giants like 3M, DuPont, and Kidde-Fenwal.
In conclusion, these firefighters did not deserve this life, after having given their formative years to the service of the nation. Imagine their shock when they got to know that the very foam that they played with day in and day out, was the sole reason for their crippled lives.
They are bound to be angry. They are bound to fight back. For many, it is not just about compensation. It is about helping others who are suffering the same fate and stopping the big players in the market from taking human lives for granted.
