When most people think of fires, they imagine the destructive power that a blaze can have. A raging inferno can incinerate homes, businesses, and even whole towns in minutes. What many people don’t realize is that even being exposed to a fire can have serious consequences for your health. The fumes and smoke from a fire can contain harmful toxins that can damage your lungs and airways. Not to mention, the heat from a fire can cause serious burns.
So, if you have been recently exposed to a fire, there are several things to check out. Here are the most important ones:
You Might Have Been Exposed To Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
AFFF is a type of firefighting foam that is often used to extinguish gasoline fires.
Unfortunately, AFFF can be extremely harmful to your health if you are exposed to it. The chemicals called PFAS, which are found in AFFF can remain in the environment and the human body for long periods of time. They can damage your liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. In addition, AFFF has been linked to several types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.
If you think you might have been exposed to AFFF, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also know that you might be able to file a lawsuit if you’ve been diagnosed with an illness after being exposed to AFFF.
According to the lawyers from TruLaw, if you or a loved one developed cancer after being exposed to PFAS chemicals, you may be eligible for compensation through an AFFF lawsuit. So if you or your loved one have been diagnosed with cancer and have a history of working with or being exposed to AFFF, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.”
You Might Have Sustained A Serious Burn
If you were caught in a fire, there’s a good chance you sustained a serious burn
First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of the skin. They are often characterized by redness and mild swelling. Second-degree burns go deeper, damaging the second layer of skin. These burns are often quite painful and can cause blistering. Third-degree burns are the most serious type of burn. They damage all layers of skin and can even affect muscles, tendons, and bones. Third-degree burns often require surgery and can result in permanent scarring.
If you have sustained any type of burn, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. First- and second-degree burns can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter medication. However, third-degree burns require more intensive medical treatment.
You Might Have Inhaled Smoke And Fumes
Breathing in smoke and fumes from a fire can be extremely harmful to your health. The toxins in the smoke can damage your lungs and airways, causing a condition called smoke inhalation. Smoke inhalation is a leading cause of death in house fires. Symptoms of smoke inhalation include difficulty breathing, coughing, dizziness, and confusion. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
You Might Develop PTSD
If you’ve been through a traumatic event, such as a fire, you might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that can cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help. There are many treatment options available for PTSD, including therapy and medication. Just remember, you are not alone.
No one ever wants to go through a fire. But if you have been recently exposed to one, it’s important to know what to do next. By understanding the potential health risks and seeking professional help, you can start to rebuild your life and move on from this traumatic event.
