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Jonathan Sharp
While putting out blazes, firefighters encounter hundreds of toxic substances, exposure to which increases their risk of developing serious health problems, including cancer. These harmful agents include formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, asbestos, hydrogen cyanide, benzene, and toluene, as well as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Often dubbed PFAS or 'forever chemicals,' these substances are highly dangerous, as exposure can lead to fertility issues, liver disease, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease, but also kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer. Although the main source of PFAS exposure among firefighters is AFFF, a fire suppressant used to extinguish fires caused by combustible and flammable liquids and gases, turnout gear contains these chemicals, too, which poses a significant health threat to this essential occupational group.
Exposure to PFAS from turnout gear, increasing cancer risk among texas firefighters
Over the last few decades, cancer has become a leading cause of death among firefighters. They now have a 9% higher risk of developing it and a 14% greater risk of dying from a malignant disease than the general population. Some states have taken proactive measures to minimize firefighters' exposure to AFFF, which can contain up to 98% 'forever chemicals,' by allowing the fire suppressant to be used only in emergency situations. However, firefighters continue to be exposed to PFAS from their very turnout gear. According to a May 2023 report, 'forever chemicals' levels were lowest on the gear closest to firefighters' skin and highest on the outer second and third layers. Specifically, the moisture barrier and the outer shell had PFAS concentrations 400 times higher than the thermal liner. With wear and tear, turnout gear can release these chemicals into the air, from where firefighters can inhale and ingest them.
The City of Sulphur Springs has a fire prevention department with 22 fulltime firefighters. A reserve firefighter program supplements the paid employees. The Fire Department has six trucks, including Rescue, ready 24 hours a day to respond to the needs of residents and businesses. Personnel are trained not only in firefighting but in water rescue as well and include a dive team and swift-water members. The firefighters and equipment are housed in two fire stations strategically located within the city limits. Firefighters are in the highest demand in Texas. Unfortunately, because of PFAS exposure, not few are those who struggle with health problems. 'I have been working with the Cy-Fair Fire Department for over 15 years, and I was exposed to the toxic chemicals in AFFF and turnout gear during training and actual fire incidents such as structure and vehicle fires,' recalls Tim, a 56-year-old firefighter from Houston with prostate cancer.
The PFAS Alternatives Act seeks to eliminate 'forever chemicals' from turnout gear
On July 20, 2023, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick introduced the bill known as the PFAS Alternatives Act, which intends to facilitate the development of safer turnout gear materials, speed up the development of turnout gear free of 'forever chemicals,' and support guidance and training for firefighters on the most effective practices for reducing occupational toxic exposure. The bill would also provide $25 million annually for every fiscal year from 2024 to 2028 to support the development of new materials and $2 million every year to support guidance and training. Ultimately, the PFAS Alternatives Act would help expedite the development of safe turnout gear through comprehensive research and rigorous testing of the equipment.
Even though firefighting will always entail toxic exposure, as harmful substances are inevitably released when materials burn, firefighters deserve PFAS-free turnout gear, which will at least minimize the extent of toxic exposure they face on the job. While measures are currently taken to phase out or limit the use of AFFF, no other bill than the PFAS Alternatives Act proposed the elimination of 'forever chemicals' from turnout gear, which is an unreasonable health threat to firefighters nationwide.
About the Author
Jonathan Sharp is Chief Financial Officer at Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, the law firm provides assistance to civilian and military firefighters affected by toxic exposure across the country.