AFFF Exposure Linked to Kidney Cancer in Veterans

For decades, military personnel used Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) to fight fuel fires at airfields, on Navy ships, during fire training, and at bases, because it protected both people and equipment from fuel-based fires.

Despite its vital role since the 1960s, growing scientific evidence has uncovered the foam's toxicity and its impact on health and the environment. The health risks associated with AFFF stem from its chemical makeup: the firefighting foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes called "forever chemicals" for their persistence. Today, it's a scientific fact that PFAS accumulate in blood and tissue over time and can interfere with:

• hormone regulation
• immune function
• cellular health

While AFFF was essential for quickly suppressing hazardous fuel fires, it posed an often unrecognized risk: PFAS, the chemicals in AFFF, are now linked to serious illnesses, including multiple cancers. Veterans who worked with AFFF face a higher risk for these conditions, including:

• kidney cancer
• testicular cancer
• prostate cancer
• bladder cancer
• liver cancer
• pancreatic cancer
• thyroid cancer

The DoD's investigation found that more than 700 military sites were contaminated with PFAS, underscoring the heightened risk of contamination for service members. Exposure to AFFF's toxic compounds often occurred repeatedly over years of service in routine operations, even with protective gear. The most common situations where PFAS exposure occurred include:

• fire suppression - AFFF was sprayed during fuel fires from aircraft, vehicle collisions, and hazardous materials spills.
• cleanup and maintenance - personnel handled soaked hoses after each use, washed contaminated gear, and cleaned vehicles and equipment without proper decontamination protocols.
• occupations - mechanics, aircraft handlers, fuel storage workers, and hangar crews frequently worked near areas where AFFF was used or stored.
• contaminated drinking water - PFAS from AFFF seeped into groundwater near military installations and industrial sites, exposing people through tap water on and off duty.
• station and base living conditions - foam residue in vehicles, firehouses, and base housing created long-term exposure, even off the fireground.

How AFFF Exposure Causes Kidney Cancer

Recent studies show that exposure to toxic substances like PFAS can trigger cell mutations that lead directly to kidney cancer. Ongoing exposure damages DNA and increases the risk of kidney tumors among veterans who were regularly in contact with AFFF.

However, in many cases, kidney cancer results from a combination of multiple genetic mutations potentially triggered by long-term exposure to substances like PFAS. While toxic exposure may not cause immediate symptoms, the cumulative effect of PFAS and similar chemicals may quietly increase the risk of serious diseases like kidney cancer. Even if some people inherit gene changes from a parent, medical data indicate that many kidney cancers develop later in life due to environmental and occupational exposures.

Signs and Symptoms

No matter what increases the risk, most people diagnosed with kidney cancer have similar symptoms. In adults, however, renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. Generally, kidney cancer doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, the following signs and symptoms develop:

• blood in the urine
• fever without an infection
• unexplained pain in the lower back or side
• a mass or lump in the lower back or side
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• unintentional weight loss

It's essential to note that experienced individually, these symptoms do not mean you have kidney cancer. Other non-cancerous health conditions may present with the same manifestations. This is why veterans should seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms.

Filing a Claim for AFFF Exposure

A 2024 VA announcement stated that the institution will conduct a scientific assessment to determine whether in-service exposure to PFAS is linked to veterans' kidney cancer. This review is part of the PACT Act process and evaluates peer-reviewed research, claims data, and other relevant information. If the assessment finds strong evidence, VA may add kidney cancer as a presumptive condition, making it easier for affected veterans to receive benefits.

However, currently, kidney cancer is not a presumptive condition under the PACT Act for PFAS/AFFF exposure. As such, veterans must still prove service connection in their claims. To demonstrate a clear connection between their health issues and military service, veterans exposed to AFFF should provide:

• military service records to demonstrate firefighting duties or stationing at contaminated sites where AFFF was used
• medical records for diagnoses of PFAS-related illnesses from licensed medical professionals
• a nexus letter from a physician linking your condition to AFFF exposure during service

After gathering all documents listed above, you can submit your claim at https://www.va.gov/forms/21-526ez/, which also includes a detailed description of your exposure to firefighting foam. Please note that the VA may request additional evidence and that you attend a C&P exam.

Veterans can file a claim under the AFFF Act with a qualifying medical diagnosis and proof of PFAS exposure. Former service members and civilian and military firefighters diagnosed with PFAS-related cancer can access support under the AFFF Act once it becomes law.

Assisting Veterans and Their Families in Filing AFFF Exposure Claims

Military firefighters and damage control crews responded when it mattered most, and their readiness warrants compensation. The Firefighter PFAS / AFFF Act was created to help exposed personnel and their families impacted by toxic PFAS exposure from AFFF.

Because many former service members are already dealing with serious illnesses, gathering the necessary records can be time-consuming and exhausting. Without experienced assistance, important documentation may be missed, which can delay or jeopardize a claim. Moreover, incomplete documentation may affect your ability to submit an AFFF claim, which is separate from any VA benefits you may receive.

If you're one of the former service members who were harmed by AFFF exposure and developed a cancer stemming from it, you may qualify for benefits. We can help by putting you in contact with legal specialists experienced in AFFF claims.