Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are often referred to as "forever chemicals". These synthetic compounds are found in a wide range of everyday items that include cosmetics, food packaging, industrial products, and most concerningly in public drinking water. Known for the exact purpose of their resistance to degradation, PFAS accumulate in both the environment and the human body.
Exposure through firefighting foam, specifically Class B aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which is a type of PFAS, has emerged as a particularly major public health concern. This substance is developed to extinguish high-intensity fuel fires, commonly used by firefighters, military personnel, and airport crews. While undeniably highly effective in emergencies, its repeated use has resulted in widespread environmental contamination and long-term health risks for those exposed.
Research shows that a large percentage of firefighters carry elevated levels of long-chain PFAS in their blood. Prolonged contact with these chemicals has been linked to serious health conditions, including thyroid disease and cancers of the kidney, testicles, and prostate. The ecological toll of firefighting foam largely reflects their long-term use and widespread persistence. Their application during fire suppression, training exercises, and disposal operations has therefore made them a major contributor to water contamination.
Communities located near contaminated sites are at higher risk of health complications. These communities often experience higher-than-average PFAS levels in their drinking water and, subsequently, in their bloodstreams. Marginalized and underserved populations are frequently among those most affected, raising important questions in regards to equity, public health, and environmental accountability on both local and national levels.