Firefighting isn’t an easy job. You need to be courageous and physically strong to be in this profession. Firefighters don’t just play against fire. They guard people in emergencies and battle against emotional and psychological stresses. Yet, they face unseen challenges and health risks.
In this article, we will look at the hidden health issue that usually affects these brave firefighting individuals.
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The Life of a Firefighter
Firefighters face extreme physical challenges day in and day out. They work under tremendous heat and hostile environments. To make things worse, they wear heavy gear which weighs around 65 pounds. These gears are mostly for protection, but they add a lot of strain to the bodies.
To keep it simple, firefighters must be in top physical condition and ready to face any danger they may encounter.
However, it’s not just the physical demands that take a toll on their bodies. These firefighters must regularly deal with high-pressure situations where a few quick decisions can make or break their lives.
There were 1,504,500 fires in 2022 that killed 3,790 civilians and injured 13,250 others. Furthermore, 96 on-duty firefighters died. Statistically, this is the most fatal injuries reported since 2013, when 98 fatalities were reported.
For situations like these, training plays a crucial role in preparing these fighters for tough challenges. This helps them deal with physical demands and dangerous situations. Similarly, firefighting foam is one of the tools firefighters use to fight certain types of fires. In particular, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), works well on flammable liquid fires.
Unfortunately, there have been some concerns raised regarding the chemicals found in aqueous film-forming foam. Many of these foams contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are raising health concerns.
According to TorHoerman Law, PFAS has been linked to various health issues like cancer and liver damage. As firefighters are becoming more mindful of these health concerns, they have started to file a firefighting foam lawsuit. The victims are hoping to get some justice for the health problems caused by these chemicals.
Speaking of the firefighting foam lawsuit, it’s a legal case filed by firefighters against firefighting foam manufacturers. If you are one of those firefighters battling health issues because of firefighting foam containing PFAS, get in touch with an experienced attorney. These attorneys understand the law and can build a strong case in your favor by collecting PFAS exposure evidence.
Health Impacts on Firefighters
One of the most serious health issues firefighters face is respiratory problems. The smoke and poisonous fumes they inhale during firefighting missions can cause serious chronic respiratory issues. These issues could be asthma, bronchitis, etc. As time passes by, these respiratory issues could lead to more severe conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cancer is also another major concern. Studies have shown that firefighters are 14% more likely to die from cancer in comparison to the general population. And the reason for that is they are exposed to poisonous chemicals released during fires and PFAS in firefighting foam. Cancers like prostate, liver, and kidney are caused by these chemicals.
Speaking of long-term health effects, there is an increased risk of heart disease as well. Since firefighting is physically demanding and stressful, it can put a lot of strain on the heart. Additionally, exposure to harmful chemicals elevates the chances of heart disease.
Firefighters are also prone to post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The constant pressure of high-risk situations can take a serious mental toll on them.
Recent Legal Developments
Recently, there has been an increase in lawsuits filed against manufacturers of firefighting foams containing PFAS. These lawsuits claim that the manufacturers were aware of the health risks linked to PFAS but failed to properly warn users. All in all, there have been three recent developments when it comes to firefighting foam lawsuits.
- As of October 17, 2023, there were 111 newly filed cases in the class action lawsuit. Although many cases have already been settled, the latest filings push the numbers to over 6,000.
- Just a week later, researchers found that those with higher levels of linear PFOS had a 56% higher risk of thyroid cancer. PFOS is a PFAS chemical present in firefighting foam.
- In October, the court ordered everyone involved in the lawsuit to submit a list of key candidates by November 14. These cases dictate how future similar cases are handled.
Firefighters’ health issues demand better safety standards and more support. Firefighting equipment containing hazardous materials, like PFAS in foam, is not fully regulated to protect firefighters. Recent lawsuits against foam manufacturers emphasize the need to address these issues.
Regulators should take immediate action, tighten up guidelines, and make sure there are safer alternatives. Government agencies and non-profit groups have a big role to play in making firefighter health a priority.