PFAS Exposure Linked to Kidney Cancer: Is Legal Help Available?

If you are thinking of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances), present in AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), there is more to these hazardous chemicals than what is visible on the surface. The chemical has a complex history and has been present in our environment for a long time.

For several years, military facilities throughout the United States have been polluted with toxic chemicals from military waste. It comprised heavy metals, fluorinated compounds, radioactive materials, and fuel hydrocarbons.

These toxins have been linked to birth defects and the risk of specific cancers. They can also adversely affect neurological development in kids and hurt the human reproductive process. They can induce inflammation, which ‌can affect the normal functioning of the kidney.

For instance, PFAS, an extremely toxic and active ingredient in the Class B foams used in military bases, can increase the risk of kidney cancer by up to 50%. Today, a lot has been said about the hazardous effects of PFAS exposure. We are also aware of the military facilities where the water supply systems have been polluted with PFAS, which is more than the EPA’s health advisory level, causing people to fall sick.

In this article, we will discuss the link between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer and how victims can file their legal complaints to get compensated for their suffering.

New Jersey Woman Developed Kidney Cancer Due to PFAS Exposure

A few drinking water supply systems in New Jersey have been polluted by chemicals present in AFFF. This contamination resulted in Richelle Boyle developing kidney cancer, which she mentioned in her lawsuit against several safety devices and chemical manufacturers.

In August 2023, AboutLawsuits.com shared the account of Richelle, who brought her complaint to the federal court in South Carolina. She named companies like Chemguard, DuPont, 3M Company, and several others as defendants, stating they are accountable for the PFAS water pollution. It is an after-effect of AFFF, which is used to extinguish fuel-based fires.

For decades, the local firefighting and U.S. military departments have been using AFFF. PFAS, an active ingredient in this toxic foam that causes maximum danger, stays in the human body and also in the environment for a prolonged period, for which it’s called “forever chemicals”.

Due to the training exercises, a huge volume of such chemicals has polluted drinking water in communities across the nation. This is especially true for areas that are close to airports, military bases, and various other training sites.

According to studies, when people get exposed to these chemicals, it heightens the chances of developing various kinds of cancer. As a result, innumerable AFFF lawsuits are being filed today by firefighters and others who have ingested this toxic foam and have been diagnosed with kidney cancer.

The claims include complaints against AFFF stating that it causes kidney cancer, along with pancreatic, prostate, bladder, and thyroid cancer. The claimants today anticipate their AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts, which they can use to cover their medical costs and other pain and suffering.

Toxic Ingredients in PFAS That Lead to Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer often starts in the tiny tubes lining the organ. One of the standard forms of the disease is called renal cell carcinoma, which makes up 90% of the diagnoses. Other than conducting physical exams and laboratory tests, a physician might also request additional data about your work history to determine the duration of chemical exposure.

Besides PFAS, various toxic agents are present in military sites, which result in kidney cancer and other ailments. These include:

• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride
• Halogenated hydrocarbons
• Toluene
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Trihalomethanes
• Methylene chloride

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to PFAS

People who have been affected by PFAS present in drinking water or even in the surrounding air and have developed kidney cancer should get their medical treatment in place. It is necessary to check whether the toxic foam is the source of the disease.

Once that is established, it is essential to opt for legal recourse, to obtain the monetary compensation they deserve for undergoing all the suffering and health complexities.

For this, getting in touch with a lawyer is essential. TorHoerman Law states that a lawyer can help in developing a strong case that will highlight detailed data on the firefighting foam exposure, treatment records, medical bills, and other information to validate your claim.

Furthermore, the lawyers also let you know about the settlement payouts so that you have practical expectations. In this case, the payout can vary between $40,000 and $300,000 based on the individual case history and its strength.

Conclusion

Any kind of toxic chemical is known to cause health hazards that result in minor and major discomfort. When it comes to AFFF, there have been accounts of people suffering from all kinds of cancer, including kidney cancer, high cholesterol levels, liver enzyme changes, and other ailments.

Avoiding this chemical might not be always possible, especially if it is present in the water supplies, air, or if one works as a firefighter. But taking the necessary action after getting affected by the toxic foam is necessary. Victims should use their medical documents to file a lawsuit, ask for the compensation they deserve, and raise awareness about the dangers of AFFF.