Firefighting foam is the chemical foam sprayed to extinguish petroleum and jet fuel fires. It has been used for over 60 years by firefighters, military, and airports. However, while the foam (AFFF) cuts off the oxygen the fire needs to burn, it also contains chemicals (PFAS ) now linked to cancer. In fact, the EPA and American Cancer society both have noted that this chemical may be linked to cancer.
Cancers associated with PFAS include:
- Kidney or renal cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer (colon and/or rectal cancer)
Subsequent to the findings of the EPA and American Cancer Society, the military is currently phasing out the use of certain PFAS.