The FDA says PFAS have been added to fire-fighting foams since the 1940’s. However, PFAS have been linked to severe health risks in firefighters exposed to firefighting foam.
PFAS have been found to build up inside of the body and not break down over time. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR) says the accumulation of PFAS in the body can contribute to serious health conditions including an increased risk of cancer, impacted immune system, and increased cholesterol levels.
Health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have observed that PFAS may increase the risk of cancer and other health issues in firefighters.