Hep-c exposure as a USAF Firefighter

Is there any evidence linkung Hep-c with the blood-based foam that we used in the Air Force in 1974-75. I know that there were "problems" with it, but as I asked in the 'force WHAT problems, I was told "just problems" and that was it. We switched to AFFF (Aqueioous Film Forming Foam) in mid-74 or5, I'm not sure.
Fast forward to 1995, I was breaking into the NYC art world,but started losing my mind. I was diagnosed and had to IMMEADATLY start Interpheron.
In 2006 I learned from a fellow Vet that there IS a definate connectiion.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!! If there is a distinct connection, I will be eligable for COMPLETE disability from the USAF> (I am currently NSC 100% disabled and they are trying ro cut THAT pittance off!!!!!!
Call if you can help directly.[phone]

[mremeet]

Can you explain what this "blood-based foam" is? I know they use foam to put out aircraft fires, but I certainly didn't think it was made from blood (wither now or in the past). Can you explain?

[GrandmaA]

I'm very sorry to hear about your problems getting military benefits. I haven't heard of the blood based foam that was used over 30 years ago, but maybe someone else has. You didn't say if you achieved SVR or got the virus to go dormant in 2006. I hope so.

We are not allowed to put phone numbers on this forum and your message might be erased by the medhelp people because of it. There is a way that others can email us privately.  I think it's under mymedhelp above. If you click on my name you can email me privately. Best wishes to you. Take good care.

[Trish77]

I did a quick "google" of blood based foam...and usually a google search gives me something but nothing on blood based foam.  I did, however, find this interesting article on foam used in the aviation industry to fight fires and the risk levels and types associated with it.  Perhaps this is what you're looking for.  There is mention of PFOS's being harmful to the liver.  But no mention of blood based foam or HCV.  Hopefully this helps:

http://www.airporttech.tc.faa.gov/naptf/att07/2002%20TRACK%20S.pdf/S15.pdf

[wyntre9]

I was going to respond to your post but I realized I didn't know what blood-based foam was, either.

Can you explain?

Wyntre

[FloridaMouse]

Did you by chance get any innoculations with the airgun when you were in the service?   These have also been suspected as a mode of transmission for the virus.

Mouse

[medicmommy]

Hello!
Sadly, the protein based foam you refer to is from animal proteins...Not human...I'm sorry to have to tell you that...However, there is documentation that hep c has been transmitted from the air gun shots that all military people had been given in the past...The nozzle got minute bits of blood back into it and injected it into the next poor soul in line...Also, same goes for dentist drills...Hope this helps...

[IAmTheWalrus]

Your comment about the airguns is interesting to me. How likely is the air-gun shots in the military for HCV transmission? Got any more info on this? I was diagnosed with HCV in 99. The only rixk factor that I had were brief IV drug use when I was 16.

I got the air gun treatment in the Army numerous times in 1972 while in line with hundreds of other guys. There was a lot of blood around as some of these guys would flinch and move when the gun delivered, causing a razor-like bleeding slash on the arm. I the risk inherent in the gun use, or is it because of the bleeding going on?

I am not sure what difference it makes. I just prefer to think I did not do this to myself. Don't know ... I probably will never know for sure, but I am curious about the liklihood. There sure seems to be a correlation between HCV and Viet Nam era vets.