Firefighting Turnout Gear May Be As Toxic As AFFF Firefighting Foam

Lawsuits are emerging against the manufacturers of firefighting turnout gear alleging PFAS chemicals in their suits cause cancer

Monday, November 6, 2023 - One of the first lawsuits against the manufacturers of firefighting equipment has been filed and many more will follow to be sure. Firefighting gear, trousers, coats, boots, coats, hats, and even the respirators themselves are made from flame and water-resistant materials known to contain carcinogenic PFAS forever chemicals. In addition, and possibly more so, firefighters are often covered head to toe in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) made from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are known to cause cancer. Firefighters across the country that have developed cancer, many at an unusually young age are urged to speak with an AFFF firefighting foam attorney to see if they can claim lump-sum monetary compensation from 3M, DuPont, and more than a dozen other companies involved in the manufacture of the toxic material. AboutLawsuits.com reports that the most recent AFFF-related lawsuit was filed by a firefighter who developed cancer after decades of using AFFF and being dressed in toxic firefighting equipment. "A Missouri firefighter says years of exposure to AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) and firefighter turnout gear, which are both laden with toxic chemicals, led to his development of prostate cancer. The complaint (PDF) was filed by Timothy Zych in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina on October 23, indicating that he was exposed to high levels of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) throughout his career. Zych alleges that 3M Company and 22 other chemical and safety equipment companies failed to warn him and other firefighters that the chemicals may accumulate in their blood, causing various types of cancer and diseases."

PFAS chemicals, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of synthetic chemicals that have gained notoriety for their insidious and long-lasting environmental impact. One of the primary sources of PFAS contamination is the use of firefighting foam, particularly in locations like military bases and airports where its application has been both encouraged and mandated to combat fires involving petroleum and jet fuel. One of the most troubling aspects of PFAS chemicals is their remarkable persistence in the environment. These compounds are incredibly stable, and they can remain in the soil for decades without breaking down. When PFAS-containing firefighting foam is deployed during fire suppression exercises or emergencies, the chemicals can infiltrate the surrounding soil, creating a toxic reservoir that continuously leaches contaminants into the local water table. Over time, this toxic leachate seeps into nearby streams, lakes, and rivers, eventually entering the natural water cycle. As a result, PFAS chemicals make their way into municipal water supplies, putting the health and safety of local communities at risk. Perhaps one of the most alarming findings regarding PFAS contamination is the discovery of alarmingly high concentrations of these chemicals in private water wells of homes located in proximity to military bases and airports. Millions of families living near such facilities often face severe health risks, as PFAS-contaminated water poses a range of health hazards, including links to cancers, developmental issues, and immune system disorders. The need for effective PFAS management and mitigation strategies is paramount, as these chemicals are exceptionally difficult to remove once they have infiltrated the environment.

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.