Boston firefighter Daniel Ranahan was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in October 2020 and was shocked to discover that his firefighting gear contained the toxic compound PFAS.
Ranahan, along with thousands of firefighters across the country, has filed lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers and companies that produce firefighting gear and foam, seeking damages for their exposure. The gear worn by firefighters, including multi-layered coats and pants, has become a new concern in the battle against PFAS, which is associated with various health problems, including cancer.
Cancer has now surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death among firefighters, with 66% of firefighter deaths between 2002 and 2019 attributed to cancer by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Firefighters face a higher risk of developing several types of cancer, including testicular cancer and mesothelioma, compared to the general population.
The discovery that PFAS compounds are present in their gear, which is primarily designed to repel water and contaminants like oil, has raised alarm among firefighters. IAFF General President Edward Kelly, who was elected in 2021 with a focus on addressing the dangers of PFAS in gear, stated that the daily donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) bunker gear poses the greatest exposure to carcinogens for firefighters.
Companies such as 3M Co. and W. L. Gore & Associates, who are defendants in the lawsuits, have defended their products, stating that they meet safety standards and are not the cause of firefighters' cancers. The American Chemistry Council has also emphasized the importance of PFAS-based materials in firefighting gear, claiming that they are necessary to meet the performance requirements.
Concerns about PFAS in firefighting gear have been heightened in recent years. Diane Cotter, the wife of a retired fire lieutenant who was diagnosed with prostate cancer, raised concerns about PFAS in 2016. Gear manufacturers initially dismissed her concerns, claiming that there were only trace amounts of PFAS and that it was safe.
However, further testing conducted by Graham Peaslee, a professor at the University of Notre Dame, revealed significant levels of PFAS in the gear, as well as on gloves and in firehouse dust. Exposure scientist Courtney Carignan from Michigan State University also found elevated levels of PFAS in the blood of firefighters she tested, as well as PFAS transfer from gear to firefighters' skin. However, the extent to which gear contributes to PFAS exposure and its role in cancer development is still being investigated.
The revelation of PFAS in firefighting gear has prompted firefighters to take action. Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of firefighters, alleging that they were exposed to high levels of PFAS and that companies knew about the presence of PFAS in the gear and its potential health risks. The IAFF has decided to no longer accept sponsorships or advertising from the chemical industry and has taken a stance against PFAS in turnout gear.
A Congressional bill introduced in July aims to expedite the search for safer alternatives to PFAS and support firefighter training to reduce exposure. Several states have also passed bills requiring companies to disclose PFAS in their gear or providing funds to purchase PFAS-free gear.
However, finding a solution is not easy for most fire departments. Replacing gear is costly, with a single set costing upwards of $4,000, and finding alternatives has proven challenging. Some companies have promoted PFAS-free outer layers, but the other layers of the gear still contain PFAS. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard for gear currently requires the use of PFAS-infused material, making it difficult to find alternatives. A lawsuit filed by the IAFF in March accuses the NFPA of working with gear manufacturers to maintain this requirement. Firefighters are urging manufacturers to develop alternative gear that does not contain PFAS.
In the meantime, fire departments are taking steps to limit firefighter exposure to gear. The Brockton Fire Department in Massachusetts discourages firefighters from wearing turnout gear in living quarters and encourages them to wash it after fires. The gear is stored on trucks and is only worn for serious calls such as fires and car accidents. Firefighters are wary of the risks associated with PFAS exposure, especially after witnessing colleagues develop cancer and experiencing their own battles with the disease.
The presence of PFAS in firefighting gear has become a significant concern for firefighters across the country. As they continue to fight fires and protect communities, they are also fighting for their own health and safety.
The lawsuits and advocacy efforts by firefighters aim to hold companies accountable and find safer alternatives to gear that contains PFAS. The battle against PFAS in firefighting gear is ongoing, but firefighters are determined to protect themselves and future generations from the harmful effects of these toxic compounds.
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