AFFF and Thyroid Disease: A Frightening Link

August 29, 2024
Written by: Sarah Miller

In recent years, a growing body of evidence has linked exposure to AFFF firefighting foam to serious health problems. One of the most concerning developments is the connection between AFFF and thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s. This page will delve deeper into this relationship and the potential consequences for individuals exposed to AFFF. We will explore the impact of AFFF on the thyroid gland, thyroid function, and thyroid hormones, focusing on how AFFF exposure may disrupt the thyroid hormone system. We will also discuss the increased risk of thyroid cancer among civilian and military firefighters, as well as other populations exposed to PFAS. Additionally, we will provide information on personal injury claims related to AFFF exposure and thyroid diseases.

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What is the thyroid and why is it important?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that plays a crucial role in our bodies. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism. These hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), affect nearly every cell in our body. But what else makes the thyroid so important?

Metabolism: Thyroid hormones determine how quickly our body burns energy. A well-functioning thyroid ensures we have enough energy to get through the day.
Growth and development: Thyroid hormones are essential for the growth and development of our bodies, especially in the younger years.
Brain function: A healthy thyroid positively impacts our brains. This gives us a better memory, good concentration, and a more positive outlook on life.
Heart function: Thyroid hormones also affect heart rate and the force with which the heart contracts.
Body temperature: The thyroid helps regulate the correct body temperature.

What happens when the thyroid doesn’t function properly?

If the thyroid produces too many or too few hormones, it can lead to various health problems.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): Symptoms may include weight loss, rapid heart rate, sweating, nervousness, tremor, sleep problems, and increased appetite.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): With symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, depression, constipation, and a slowed heart rate.

The thyroid is indispensable to our body. It regulates various important bodily functions. And when the thyroid does not function properly, it can lead to serious health problems.

How can AFFF affect the thyroid?

Scientists are still unsure exactly how AFFF affects the thyroid, but more and more research is showing a link.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the foam used to extinguish fires, contain substances we call PFAS. These substances are like a stubborn stain you can’t get out of your clothes. They remain in the environment and in our bodies for a very long time. Below we will delve deeper into how PFAS can affect the thyroid:

Endocrine disruption: PFAS are substances that can mimic the hormones in your body. It’s like putting the wrong key in a lock. This confuses your body and can cause all sorts of problems.
Oxidative stress: PFAS can damage your body, just like rust damages a car. This can lead to thyroid problems.
Immunological reactions: PFAS can disrupt your immune system, causing your body to attack its own cells. This can lead to autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s disease.

These are the possible consequences for the thyroid:

Disrupted production of thyroid hormones: PFAS can disrupt the production of thyroid hormones, such as T3 and T4. It’s as if you have a factory that makes cars, but due to a malfunction, too many or too few cars are suddenly produced. This can lead to all sorts of health problems.
Thyroid inflammation: PFAS can cause inflammation in your thyroid, just like a splinter causes an infection in your finger. This inflammation can cause your thyroid to function less well.
Increased risk of thyroid cancer: There is some evidence that PFAS may increase the risk of certain types of thyroid cancer. However, more research is needed to say this with certainty.

PFAS are harmful substances often found in firefighting foam. These substances are very dangerous to our health. Firefighters are at the highest risk of becoming ill from PFAS because they often come into contact with them during their work.

But even people who are not firefighters can be harmed by PFAS. These substances remain in the environment for a very long time and can enter our bodies through food and drink. Scientists do not yet know exactly what the long-term health effects of PFAS are. But we do know that these substances can be harmful.

Symptoms of thyroid problems caused by AFFF thyroid disease

It’s important to know that not everyone exposed to AFFF will become ill. Whether you get sick and how sick you get can depend on a number of factors, such as: how often and how long you are exposed to AFFF. But also how sensitive your body is to this substance, along with other things related to your health. It’s like how medications work, not everyone reacts the same way. This means that if you’ve worked with AFFF, it’s not certain that you will also develop thyroid problems.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism):

Weight loss, despite normal or even increased appetite.
Rapid heart rate and palpitations.
Sweating and heat intolerance.
Nervousness and irritability.
Tremor, often in the hands.
Sleep problems.
Enlarged thyroid (goiter).
Eye problems such as bulging eyes (exophthalmos) and increased sensitivity to light.

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism):

Fatigue.
Weight gain.
Cold intolerance.
Dry skin and hair.
Constipation.
Muscle weakness and stiffness.
Depression.
Enlarged thyroid (in some cases).

It’s important to know that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you have concerns about your health, it’s always advisable to contact a doctor.

Thyroid problems can be difficult to recognize

Sometimes you slowly notice that you have a problem with your thyroid. The symptoms can be very small and resemble other things. That’s why thyroid problems are sometimes only discovered late.

Also, different people can have different symptoms. One person may experience more fatigue, while another may be very tense.

Because the symptoms of a thyroid problem can also occur with other diseases, it can sometimes be difficult to say exactly what is going on.

Scientific evidence

A growing body of scientific research suggests a link between the firefighting foam AFFF and thyroid problems. Studies have shown that people who are frequently exposed to AFFF are more likely to develop thyroid diseases. Although we already know a lot, more research is needed to fully understand how this works.

What can you do to get compensation?

If you think you’ve gotten sick from the firefighting foam AFFF, it’s important to keep a good record of everything that’s happened. Here are a few tips:

Gather all paperwork: Keep all paperwork related to your health. Think of test results, doctor’s diagnoses, and treatment plans. Papers from your job, such as your contract and job description, are also important.
See the right doctor: A special doctor who studies toxic substances (a toxicologist) can help determine if your illness is caused by AFFF. Another doctor who specializes in the thyroid can check if your thyroid is functioning properly.
Seek legal counsel: A lawyer who is experienced in cases involving illness caused by accidents can help you. It’s helpful to choose a lawyer who is also knowledgeable about the problems that AFFF can cause.
Gather evidence: Try to find as much evidence as possible to show that you have been exposed to AFFF. This could include statements from colleagues or photos.

Taking legal action

If you later want a company or another party to be held responsible for your illness, you will need all of these documents and information. This way, you can demonstrate that your illness is caused by AFFF.

A lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim, such as sending an official letter to the person or company that made you sick. In addition, the lawyer can try to reach a settlement with the party in question. And if no good solution is found, the lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Contact Legal Claim Assistant

Are you experiencing health problems due to the firefighting foam AFFF? We will connect you free of charge with an experienced attorney. Our attorneys are familiar with all the ins and outs of AFFF cases. You will get a personal attorney who will handle everything for you. And the best news? You only pay if we win.

Don’t delay, contact us today.

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