Our firefighters run into danger, putting their lives on the line for us. Yet, a hidden danger lurks within their very gear: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” It’s a bitter irony: the gear meant to protect them harbors potential carcinogens, making it impossible to avoid toxic exposure.
The Madill Fire Department protects over 4,000 residents. Shockingly, according to recent data, nearly every property in town could be affected by wildfire within the next 30 years. Not only can these fires destroy homes and businesses, but they can also cut off power, emergency services, and escape routes.
Just recently, two firefighters were injured while battling a grass fire in neighboring Marshall County. The Chief explained that the dry conditions and high temperatures made it difficult to contain the flames.
Also,the2012Oklahomawildfire wasamongthemostsignificantfires anyone could remember. It burned over 52,000 acres of land and caused many people to leave their homes.
Therefore, the usage of PFASfilled turnout gear and aqueous film-forming (AFFF) containing 98% PFAS has significantly increased, constantly putting firefighters’ health at risk. Studies show that PFAS and PTFE cause several types of cancers, including testicular, kidney, prostate, and thyroid cancer.
PFAS is a class of synthetic chemicals that have existed since the 1950s, finding its way into everything from commercial products to industrial processes. In the1960sand70s,PFOAandPFOS, two specific PFAS compounds, were thestarsofAFFF,afiresuppressant that became a household name. Also, the EPA recently solidified the carcinogenic nature of PFAS, with no safe level of exposure.
The worst part was that major corporations, like 3M and DuPont, knew the risks but kept them quiet for decades. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the public finally learned about the dangers of PFAS, leaving countless people exposed.
PFAS can be found throughout the turnout gear, but they’re most concentrated in the outer layers. In fact, these outer layers can have up to 400 times more PFAS than the inner layer. These chemicals don’t break down, persisting in the environment and our bodies. Firefighters are especially vulnerable, absorbing PFAS through their skin and inhalation when using contaminated gear.
Resistant gear makers use PFAS to make their gear water and oil-resistant, which is essential for meeting the strict standards of the National Fire Protection Association.
However,thePFASAlternatives Act offers some hope. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s PFAS Alternative Act, introduced in July 2023, offers a bipartisan path forward. This important bill would allocate $100 million to develop safer, PFAS-free turnout gear. The funding would speed up the development of alternatives that protect firefighters from harmfulexposure.Whileresearchis underway, the act includes training and guidance to help firefighters minimize risk from existing gear.
And that’s not all. The PFAS Alternatives Act would provide $25 millionyearlyforfiveyearstosupport research, development, and testing. An additional $2 million would be set aside for training. This money would be distributed nationwide through grants to institutions and organizations working on PFAS-free solutions. These groups would be required to partner with organizations such as the National Firefighters Foundation, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and labor unions such as the International Association of Fire Fighters.
The bill’s funding for research is a great first step, but it doesn’t mean firefighters will have new gear in hand tomorrow. Developing and releasing new gear is a long process,butwithextramoney,more departments might be able to afford it. We can start phasing out the old stuff when better alternatives are available.
Jonathan Sharp is the Chief Financial Officer of Environmental Litigation Group, PC, a legal firm based in Birmingham, Alabama. This firm specializes in helping military and civilian firefighters impacted by toxic exposure.