Did You Know That AFFF Exposure Could Impact Fertility and Child Development?
The chemicals meant to save lives may silently threaten our future. AFFF was developed to extinguish petroleum-based fires effectively, but its contents — PFAS “forever chemicals” — leave a legacy more perilous than flame. As these compounds seep into soil and water over decades, they infiltrate our bodies in emerging ways.
New research now indicates that PFAS exposure could jeopardize not only the current generation but also future ones. This exposure may compromise fertility and childhood development, manifesting in both subtle and startling ways.
The threat is real, and it remains long after the last spray of AFFF foam is washed away. Our challenge is understanding this threat fully and acting swiftly to protect today’s children and tomorrow’s.
What Makes Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Toxic?
The military and airports have long used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to suppress fuel fires. It creates a foam blanket that sits on top of flammable liquids to smother the fire and prevent reignition.
However, concerns have grown around certain chemicals often included in AFFF mixtures known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two examples of the many man-made compounds known as PFAS. They have been produced since the 1940s and are renowned for being water—and oil-repellent. Due to this property, PFAS are found in a wide range of consumer and commercial items, including food packaging, nonstick cookware, fabrics that resist stains, and firefighting foams.
However, neither the environment nor the human body can readily degrade PFAS. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they persist and accumulate over time. The FDA has identified nearly 5,000 variations of PFAS chemicals, though not all have been thoroughly researched.
Exposure to PFAS is a concern as the chemicals can enter the body through ingestion or skin contact with contaminated water or foods.
Persistence of PFAS in the Human Body
PFAS chemicals have an alarming ability to persist in the human body for long periods of time without breaking down. This allows their concentration to accumulate over time in bodily tissues like blood, breastmilk, and umbilical cord blood of exposed mothers.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), animal studies have linked PFAS exposure to health issues in offspring. These issues include low birth weight, birth defects, developmental delays, and even infant mortality in some cases.
As TruLaw notes, beyond its effects on birth and development, PFAS compounds have also been tied to various cancers and other serious health problems in humans.
The connection to cancer and other illnesses has led many victims of PFAS contamination to pursue legal action against chemical manufacturers.
Lawsuits have been filed, such as the AFFF lawsuit, to seek damages and accountability for dangers posed by these persistent “forever chemicals.” The health risks and ability of PFAS to evade elimination from the body have raised serious concerns about prolonged human exposure.
Alternative Fire Suppressants
Eco-friendly options now exist that provide the firefighting effectiveness of AFFF without the health and environmental risks associated with PFAS. Fire departments should consider switching to greener alternatives that still protect lives and property.
Gelled Fire Suppressants
One such option is gelled water additives that can transform the liquid into an insulating gel barrier over fires. An example is Eco-Gel, which is non-toxic and biodegradable, and tests show it can extinguish Class A and B fires 50% faster than traditional methods. The gel limits oxygen and cools the fire swiftly.
Fluorine-Free Foams
Fluorine-free foams (F3) produce a resistant blanket without using PFAS surfactants. They effectively combat high-hazard fuel fires and spill fires while avoiding contaminants. F3 creates a stable foam that conducts heat away from fires.
Compressed Air Foam Systems
Compressed air foam systems (CAFS) combine foam concentrate, air, and water for effective fire suppression. CAFS foam clings tightly to surfaces has density advantages over conventional methods and meets industry standards. Many fire departments rely on CAFS for structural fires due to its versatility.
Transitioning to suppressants like Eco-Gel, F3, or CAFS maintains firefighting capabilities without introducing persistent chemicals into the environment through run-off or equipment waste. These newer technologies demonstrate performance can be achieved safely and sustainably.
FAQs
1. Can PFAS impact brain development?
A: Some studies have linked PFAS exposures to behavioral phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting a potential effect on brain function. However, the evidence remains inconclusive.
2. How does PFAS affect hormones?
A: PFAS exposure primarily affects the secretion and regulation of reproductive hormones. This exposure can disrupt the normal function of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis (HPGA), leading to disturbances in human hormone regulation and resulting in reproductive hormone disorders.
3. Are PFAS linked to ovarian cysts?
A: In 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified certain PFAS as potential carcinogens. Additionally, PFAS disrupts hormonal functions, and some studies suggest a connection to accelerated ovarian aging, irregular menstrual cycles, and ovarian disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
The threats posed by PFAS underscore the urgent need for precautionary action to protect future generations. While more research is still needed, we cannot wait for scientific certainty to safeguard child health and development from avoidable harm.
Transitioning to safer alternatives for AFFF and limiting PFAS uses proactively addresses these emerging risks, demonstrating care for both people and the planet. Our choices today can help ensure tomorrow’s children have the healthy start they deserve.
