Infertility in women is usually caused by age and specific physical behaviors that interfere with their fertility. But there are times when women suffer from this after being exposed to AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) used by firefighters to extinguish liquid fires.
This foam contains PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances), which is considered a human carcinogen and affects the health of men and women who have been exposed to this foam for a prolonged time.
In April 2023, The Guardian reported that women who have increased levels of AFFF in their bloodstream have a 40% lesser chance of getting pregnant. Close to 99% of people in the US are affected by PFAS and have traces of it in their blood to varying degrees.
In this article, we will discuss how women can address their infertility issue, heal from it, and start living a wholesome life gradually.
What is PFAS?
Simply put, PFAS is a chemical cluster that is oil-and water-resistant and gets used in various products, from food containers and non-stick cookware to furnishings and clothing. They are called ‘forever chemicals’ as they break down slowly and stay in the human body and environment for years. Apart from infertility, PFAS exposure also causes thyroid disease, kidney cancer,and liver cancer.
According to Dr. Nathan Cohen, who is the lead author of the Icahn School of Medicine in New York, women who intend to get pregnant should know the fatal health hazards of PFAS. They should exercise the required precautions and ensure that they aren’t exposed to it for a long time.
However, there are times when women aren’t aware of the fact that they have inhaled PFAS, which leads to infertility.
Steps to Heal from Infertility Due to AFFF Exposure
Infertility is a condition where a woman’s reproductive system cannot conceive. Women who reside near airports or firefighting training units can inhale AFFF without being conscious of it. Once they realize that their infertility problem stems from ingesting this toxic foam, they should seek medical attention, followed by legal aid.
While filing an AFFF lawsuit is the most logical thing to do, it is also necessary to take the necessary steps to heal from this health issue.
These steps can help women recover better:
Focus and Accept the Present
One of the best ways to activate the healing of the body and mind is to focus on the present and accept it. There is no need to try hard and change the surrounding circumstances. Hence, take your attention away from what could have or should have been. Also, try not to look into the future too much, as that can result in anxieties and worries.
Instead, stay focused on the present and accept that the AFFF exposure was a result of your being unaware and that you know better now. It will calm you down and reduce anxiety and stress. It will lead to mental well-being, which will result in better health as well.
Know That There is Help at Hand
Infertility stemming from any reason is painful. It’s natural for couples to grieve, but that loss or pain shouldn’t take over their lives. Most importantly, they need to know that there is help available to them. Today, there is surgery, medication, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) that can prove beneficial.
With time, lifestyle changes can also result in pregnancy. The treatment can be a blend of various procedures. But before that, the concerned women should address the necessary medical formalities required to treat infertility, which will require money.
TorHoerman Law suggests it is necessary to work with a lawyer to attain compensation. They are aware of the legal procedure and will know the piece of evidence that they should use to develop a compelling case, which will ensure the victims receive the monetary compensation that they deserve.
Invest in Self Care
It is a time when women need to exercise maximum self-care. It doesn’t mean they should become self-obsessed, rather; they need to tune into their emotional and physical wellbeing and needs and work on that. It is necessary to get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, speak with others who make them feel better, and also enjoy their me-time. Practices like journaling and meditation can prove to be useful here.
Refrain From Expecting a Miracle
Women should do what is needed during this healing phase without expecting a miracle. That will release the unwanted stress and tension, and it will help their minds to be free and the body to stop producing excess cortisol, the stress hormone that never does anything good. It is necessary to take each day as it comes, do their best to live and feel better, and pave the path for complete well-being gradually.
In conclusion, the World Health Organization says that one in six individuals suffers from infertility globally. And out of them, few are affected by AFFF exposure. Women must be aware of it and stop blaming themselves for such a tragic predicament. Instead, they must take the necessary actions to raise awareness, such as speaking about it by filing a lawsuit. While doing this, it is necessary to heal from within as well, for which the points discussed above can help.
