Firefighting foam linked to the development of testicular cancer

3M - Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company worked with the U.S. Navy to develop AFFF, a PFAS-based firefighting foam that eventually became the "gold standard" in fighting class B fires. However, research has linked exposure to PFAS to serious health concerns, such as testicular cancer.

Research finds link between AFFF and testicular cancer

A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives discovered the connection between testicular cancer among members of the U.S. Air Force and exposure to PFAS found in AFFF. It was also the first to identify the impact of PFAS on military personnel.

The study analyzed pre-diagnostic blood samples from active U.S. Air Force members from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. It compared samples of those with testicular germ cell tumors (the mass that forms on germ cells in the testicles) to those without. Some of its significant findings include the following:

• Firefighters in the Air Force are twice as likely to get testicular cancer. They also have higher concentrations of PFAS than the rest of the base.
• Air Force members with testicular germ cell tumors had high PFOS levels. PFOS stands for perfluorooctane sulfonate, a type of PFAS that has the potential to cause cancer in humans.
• It affirmed findings from other studies that military firefighters who constantly use AFFF and are deployed at bases with PFAS-contaminated water sources may have elevated PFAS levels in their blood.

When PFAS enter the body, they can accumulate in the bloodstream, tissue, and reproductive organs like the testicles. Once in the testicles, they disrupt hormonal signaling, affect sperm cell development, and potentially increase the risk of testicular cancer.

Firefighters at increased risk for developing testicular cancer

Both civilian and military firefighters are often exposed to toxic substances like the harmful PFAS found in their turnout gear and AFFF. As a result, they have an increased risk of developing cancer, such as testicular cancer, compared to the general population.

An estimated 1 in 250 men will likely hdevelop testicular cancer at some point in their lives. Some of the possible symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• Painless lump
• Dull ache or pain in the testicle or scrotum
• Swelling of the testicle
• Breast growth or tenderness

ELG Law can help you file your AFFF testicular cancer claim

Military and civilian firefighters who developed testicular cancer due to PFAS exposure can file an AFFF claim for financial compensation. You can contact our lawyers to learn more about the legal process. If you plan to file a claim, you must provide copies of your medical records showing your testicular cancer diagnosis and military or employment records so we can review your case. Once we determine your eligibility, we'll help you take the proper steps so you can get the right compensation.