Firefighting Foam Presents Numerous Health and Safety Hazards
Industry experts from all over the world have recently joined the firefighter trade unions in pushing for sweeping changes to be made to firefighting foam. This call echoes massive concerns that PFOA and PFAS used in firefighting foam can cause serious health and safety hazards. These chemicals have been implicated in multiple studies as causing a variety of health conditions.
PFOA and PFAS use has been widespread across numerous industries including food packaging, stain removal, and textiles. While experts in these industries are also pushing for these chemicals to be removed as well, the public is more at risk in terms of firefighting. These substances may cause certain types of cancer, damage to the endocrine system, and pregnancy issues.
Why are these Substances Used in Firefighting Foam?
The main reason why PFOA and PFAS are used in firefighting is that they can smother active fires. While water still plays a critical role, the true fuel source of active blazes is oxygen. This foam is used to blanket raging infernos, suffocating the flames and eliminating the oxygen source. Without its fuel source, fire is unable to burn.
At the same time, there are major concerns related to the disposal of this foam. Too often, it is simply washed away from the site of the fire. As a result, it often ends up running into nearby lakes, rivers, and streams, contaminating our important water supplies. Many industry experts believe that this is how people are exposed to chemicals.
Numerous Health Problems May Result
When people are exposed to the dangerous substances found in the foam, there are a number of health problems that might develop. These include:
Cancer: The molecular structures of PFOA and PFAS make them prone to causing certain types of cancer. These substances are able to bind to someone’s DNA, causing serious mutations that might lead to cancer. Cancers of the kidney, testicles, pancreas, bladder, prostate, and bloodstream (such as leukemia and lymphoma) have all been tied to the chemicals in this foam.
Pregnancy Problems: These dangerous chemicals have also been tied to pregnancy issues. As an unborn child grows in the uterus, its cells divide quickly, making them particularly vulnerable to dangerous substances (often called teratogens). Numerous fetal defects have been linked to PFOA and PFAS. These can have long-term impacts on the health of the baby both before and after birth is given.
Endocrine Disruption: The endocrine system is responsible for the production and regulation of the body’s hormones. Research studies have shown that the chemicals in firefighting foam can cause numerous endocrine problems. This can impact the body’s thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. In some cases, tumors might even grow.
Something Needs to be Done
Clearly, the substances found in the foam have the potential to cause a number of health hazards, such as cancer. Numerous regulatory authorities have called for the elimination of PFOA and PFAS due to its toxicity, longevity, and ability to spread across long distances. On the other hand, other reports have said it might not be possible to remove PFAS from all consumer products. Therefore, these chemicals may continue to cause harm to individuals and families all across the country.
Fortunately, there are trained professionals who are willing to help. Anyone who has been harmed by the chemicals found in firefighting foam should remember that they are not alone. Someone is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Sacramento Products Liability Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Products Liability Lawyer. Firefighting foam can present numerous health and safety hazards that everyone should remember. If someone you care for has been injured due to the negligence of another person or entity, you should call me by dialing (916) 921-6400 or by using my toll-free option at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
Reviews & ratings of my law firm have been written by many of my earlier clients and are proudly displayed on Yelp, Avvo, & Google.
The Million Dollar Advocates welcomes trial attorneys into their chapter who have received a client verdict and/or settled a case valued at more than $1 million. I am proud to be included as a California member of this group. I am also honored to be a part of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
If you would like to see how my past cases have concluded, please go and visit my Verdicts and Settlements page.
Attribution of Photo: The picture placed at the start of this post was located first on Pixabay.com. The picture has been shown at this site under the guidance of the Creative Commons License.
:dr [cs 778] bw