Thyroid cancer makes you eligible to file an AFFF claim

Firefighters used AFFF for its effective firefighting capabilities for years. AFFF contains high amounts of PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are a group of more than 15,000 artificial chemicals known for their oil, stain, and water-resistant properties.

PFAS exposure can negatively impact health. Research shows out how the 'forever chemicals' can disrupt the function of organs responsible for hormone regulation, such as the thyroid gland. As a result, they can cause an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.

Eligibility for filing an AFFF thyroid cancer claim

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 44,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are recorded each year.

Individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer can file for AFFF claims if they have a history of routine exposure to the PFAS-based AFFF. These include the following:

• Active and retired civilian firefighters, including career and volunteer
• Active and retired military firefighters involved in actual firefighting tasks
• Firefighters stationed in commercial airports and military hangars that used AFFF
• Firefighters with specialized training for aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF)
• Other personnel assigned to handle and use AFFF beyond emergencies, such as training and exercises
• Family members of firefighters, surviving or deceased

The link between AFFF and thyroid cancer

Several studies have been conducted to show the connection between AFFF and thyroid cancer. A group of international researchers from Mount Sinai discovered that exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) can lead to a 56% chance of developing thyroid cancer.

PFOS, a type of PFAS, is also known as the main chemical used in manufacturing legacy AFFF. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has tagged PFOS as a 'possible carcinogen to humans.' Aside from thyroid cancer, it has also been linked to other serious health concerns like:

• Elevated cholesterol
• Kidney diseases, including cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver damage and liver cancer
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Another study has also revealed the connection between exposure to other forms of PFAS - PFHxA (perfluorohexanoic acid) and PFDoA (perfluorodecanoic acid) - and elevated risks of developing thyroid cancer. It is suggested that PFHxA and PFDoA absorbed in the human body can lead to changes in fatty acid metabolism and may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.

File your AFFF thyroid cancer claim with the help of ELG Law

If you are a civilian or military firefighter who developed thyroid cancer after long-term use of AFFF, you may qualify to file a claim for financial compensation. You may reach out to our team of attorneys, who can guide you through the entire claim process.

All you have to do is submit your employment or military records, together with your medical records indicating your thyroid cancer diagnosis. If you meet the eligibility criteria we will file the claim on your behalf.