Firefighters Protective Equipment May Be More Dangerous To Their Health Than Fires Themselves

Personal protective equipment is made from forever chemical substances that cause cancer

Thursday, April 18, 2024 - In addition to the intense risks posed by the fires they put out, firefighters also frequently confront dangers from the equipment meant to keep them safe. These items of clothing sometimes referred to as turnout gear, are vital to a firefighter's safety and include jackets and pants. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in particular has conducted recent investigations that have brought to light grave concerns over the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in this equipment. The synthetic compounds known as pervasive face-aiding substances (PFAS) are employed because of their resilience to water and oil, which is important in conditions with high temperatures and moisture content. These substances are also referred to as "forever chemicals" since they neither degrade in the environment nor in human bodies, which poses serious health risks for those working in the fire service. PFAS are a cause for concern since they are categorized as "forever chemicals." Because these compounds do not break down in the human body or the environment, they can accumulate and cause major health problems, such as AFFF cancer. Researchers have shown that the three layers of firefighter turnout gear contain PFAS chemicals, with the moisture barriers and outer shells usually having the greatest quantities. This widespread presence is especially concerning because firemen, who frequently handle these chemicals in harsh environments, are at serious risk for health problems. Changes in the materials used in their work are urgently needed, according to the firefighting community and public health activists, because their prolonged exposure to such close quarters increases their chance of acquiring health issues.

Numerous AFFF lawsuits and extensive academic research have been prompted by the direct correlation shown between firefighters' exposure to PFAS and their elevated risk of cancer. Research from a number of universities, some of which have been referenced in cases against manufacturers of gear, has shown a direct link between firefighters' increased risk of cancer and their extended exposure to PFAS from turnout gear. These results have sparked a wave of lawsuits brought by impacted firemen who want equipment manufacturers to pay for the health hazards linked to exposure to PFAS. The legal actions seek to alter industry rules and procedures regarding the use of hazardous materials in the production of firefighting gear in addition to providing compensation for the impacted individuals. The legal disputes are part of a larger discussion about PFAS use in consumer goods and industrial settings. The equipment used by firefighters is especially scrutinized since, ironically, it may potentially seriously jeopardize their health. The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) is leading the charge in pushing for modifications to industry norms that presently require PFAS to be included in the production of turnout gear. The goal of these initiatives is to get rid of the dependency on PFAS and identify safer substitute materials that won't affect the ability of the gear to shield firefighters from moisture, heat, and flames.

Information provided by AFFFLawsuitCenter.com, a website devoted to providing news about AFFF and PFAS cancer, lymphoma and leukaemia claims, including a free no-cost, no-obligation AFFF Lawsuit Claim.