Severe health conditions, including cancers and non-malignant conditions, have affected military and civilian firefighters since the introduction of AFFF in the 1960s.
If you've been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or thyroid disease, this might not be a coincidence. PFAS chemicals in the foam are known for cancer risks, but are also linked to chronic illnesses related to hormone and immune functions.
Military and civilian firefighters have some of the highest exposure levels to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains harmful chemicals that contaminate the environment and cause health risks. These chemicals are known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Studies have linked PFAS to different types of cancers, like testicular and kidney cancers, but they have also been strongly associated with thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis. If you have been diagnosed with any of the two conditions after being exposed to AFFF, you may be eligible to file an AFFF exposure claim.
There is a higher incidence of thyroid disease among firefighters than in the general U.S. population due to the number of toxic chemicals they are exposed to in their line of work. In adults and elderly individuals, one study published in Science of The Total Environment found that PFAS exposure was linked to lower TSH and FT4 levels, and higher T4 and T3 levels. These findings only add to the growing evidence of PFAS chemicals' thyroid-disrupting effects, leading to thyroid dysfunction.
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammation in the colon, can be debilitating in the long run. With the harmful effects of PFAS on the immune system function, AFFF exposure may cause inflammation and UC diagnosis among military and civilian firefighters.
A study on a highly exposed group of community residents and workers in Ohio found that PFOA exposure, which is found in AFFF, was associated with a higher incidence of ulcerative colitis. The effect of PFAS on weight and resting metabolic rate has also been studied, showing that these chemicals can interfere with body regulation and metabolism.
Atraxia Law has decades of experience connecting toxic exposure victims with specialized attorneys. If you have been exposed to AFFF and send us your military or employment records documenting your exposure, you may be eligible for a claim if you have been diagnosed with thyroid disease or ulcerative colitis. Aside from employment records, we also need medical documents showing your diagnosis, and we can give a free evaluation of your case to find the best legal representation for you.