Firefighting is a critical aspect of naval operations, ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and vessels. One of the key tools employed in naval firefighting is the aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Although AFFF puts out flames efficiently, using it raises questions about possible health hazards from exposure.
The purpose of this article is to give a thorough overview of the US Navy’s exposure to AFFF firefighting foam.
Understanding AFFF Firefighting Foam
AFFF is a firefighting foam that rapidly extinguishes fuel-based fires, such as those involving petroleum products. The effectiveness of aqueous film-forming foam lies in its ability to form a film on the surface of the fuel. This prevents the release of flammable vapors and mitigates the oxygen source to suppress the fire. This film-forming property allows AFFF to smother the flames quickly and prevent reignition.
The composition of AFFF typically includes fluorinated surfactants, hydrocarbon solvents, foam stabilizers, and corrosion inhibitors. According to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC), more than 60% is made of water and diluted. Less than 20% are solvents, and 15% to 18% are surfactants. Of the surfactants, around 2% are fluorosurfactants, which are the most hazardous chemicals in them.
The fluorosurfactants constitute per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also called forever chemicals. These substances can build up over time and do not decompose in the environment. Many studies have also proven the association between PFAS chemicals and health effects like cancer and reproductive problems.
Therefore, many military firefighters, including those working for the Navy, are filing lawsuits to seek restitution for these cancer-causing formulations. Firehouse states that the cases are filed against manufacturers of AFFF, like 3M, DuPont, and others.
According to TruLaw, the plaintiffs allege that these manufacturers neglected their health. The Navy professionals are saying that their exposure to AFFF ingredients has caused them numerous health problems. Therefore, they seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages they have suffered.
Since Navy professionals are constantly exposed to AFFF, they can fight to recover their medical expenses, lost wages, etc. They can find an experienced lawyer and file an AFFF lawsuit for Navy professionals to recover damages.
Usage of AFFF in the US Navy
AFFF plays a crucial role in naval firefighting operations, particularly aboard ships and submarines where the risk of fuel-based fires is significant. Naval personnel are trained to deploy AFFF using specialized equipment such as foam proportioners, hand-held nozzles, and fixed firefighting systems.
During fire emergencies, sailors are trained to apply AFFF directly to the source of the fire, ensuring thorough coverage and effective suppression. The rapid deployment of aqueous film-forming foam can prevent fires from spreading and causing catastrophic damage to naval assets.
Health Risks Associated with AFFF Exposure
While AFFF is highly effective, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with exposure to its components, particularly PFAS. Some AFFF health risks you should be aware of include:
- Developmental effects: Research has indicated that prenatal exposure to PFAS may cause developmental problems in the fetus. These problems can include low birth weight, cognitive developmental delays, and more.
- Cancer: Some PFAS compounds have been classified as potential carcinogens, with associations observed between PFAS exposure and certain cancers. The most common cancers associated with PFAS exposure are testicular and kidney. According to The National Desk, the rate of testicular cancers in firemen is 100% higher compared to the general population.
- Immune system dysfunction: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to immune system suppression, potentially increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases and reducing vaccine effectiveness.
Health professionals and naval personnel are becoming more concerned about PFAS exposure due to the possible health risks. This has led to some mitigation strategies to prevent or at least minimize AFFF exposure.
Mitigation Strategies and Regulations
Recognizing the potential risks of AFFF exposure, the Navy has implemented various mitigation strategies and regulations to minimize personnel exposure. These include:
- Training and education: Naval personnel receive comprehensive training on safe handling and using aqueous film-forming foam, including protocols for minimizing exposure during firefighting operations.
- Substitution of safer alternatives: Efforts are underway to identify and implement alternative firefighting agents that are effective yet pose lower risks to human health.
- Environmental remediation: The Navy actively engages in remediation efforts to address environmental contamination resulting from AFFF use. Some programs undertaken by the Navy include cleaning affected soil and groundwater at naval installations.
- Regulatory compliance: The Navy adheres to federal and state regulations governing the use and disposal of AFFF, including reporting requirements for PFAS release.
Future Directions and Research
As understanding of the health and environmental impacts of aqueous film-forming foam continues to evolve, research efforts are made to find alternatives. Researchers are looking to develop alternative formulations of firefighting foam that are effective yet less harmful.
According to Naval Safety Command, there are currently six alternatives listed for PFAS-based AFFF, including:
- Ignitable liquid drainage floor
- High-expansion (Hi-Ex) foam
- Water mist sprinklers
- Water-only sprinklers
- Trench nozzles
- Optical flame detectors only
Efforts are also made to develop longitudinal studies to monitor the health outcomes of naval personnel exposed to AFFF over extended periods. Insights from these studies can provide valuable data for assessing risk and informing preventive measures.
The Department of Defense is also playing its part in ruling out the use of AFFF. Mass Tort News states it is ending the nationwide use of PFAS-based foams. This will help reduce concentration levels and mitigate health concerns associated with AFFF and PFAS exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Navy Still Using Aqueous Film-Forming Foam?
Indeed, the Navy still uses AFFF to extinguish fires. However, moves are being made to switch to PFAS-free substitutes.
Do Any Substitutes Exist for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam?
Indeed, work is being done to create firefighting foams free of PFAS chemicals. Several options are being assessed for efficacy and safety.
What Safety Is Available to Navy Personnel Against Exposure to AFFF?
To reduce exposure hazards, personnel should wear personal protective equipment (PPE), adhere to safety standards, and get training on AFFF handling.
What Steps Are Being Taken to Address AFFF-Related Environmental Contamination?
The Navy is implementing containment and remediation plans to lessen its adverse environmental effects. These plans include cleaning up toxic locations and switching to more ecologically friendly firefighting techniques.
In conclusion, AFFF firefighting foam plays a vital role in safeguarding naval assets and personnel from the dangers of fuel-based fires. Nonetheless, worries about the possible health hazards connected to exposure to AFFF highlight how crucial it is to put mitigation plans in place and carry out additional research. By staying informed and proactive, the Navy can continue to fulfill its mission while minimizing the impact of AFFF.
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