Firefighters’ Gear May Increase Cancer Risk, New Studies Show
The turnout gear that every firefighter wears to protect themselves while operating at an incident may very well be loaded with carcinogens.
Following results from a recent study, the IAFF and Metro Chiefs issued a joint statement this week warning firefighters about the dangers.
All three layers of the protective clothing contain Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals, which have been linked to cancer – the leading cause of firefighter deaths, fire officials said, referring to scientists' conclusions.
They encouraged responders to reduce their exposure to PFAS by limiting use of turnout gear only to emergency responses where its protection is a necessity. Wearing all PPE and self-contained breathing apparatuses during firefighting, overhaul, and working in smoke remains the best first line of defense to protect from fireground contaminants until PFAS-free alternatives are available.
“This is the challenge of our generation, and if we don’t act, it will be the challenge of our children’s generation. We can’t just salute in front of the church and fight for better benefits. We need to combat what’s killing us and I am committed to making sure we do everything we can to extinguish cancer from the fire service. That starts with removing PFAS from our turnout gear and, until PFAS-free options exist, reducing our exposure as best we can,” IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly wrote.
Turnout gear should not be taken into bunkrooms, and should be transported in sealed containers, they said, adding that the cabs of apparatus should be cleaned regularly.
Chief Robert Rocha, president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association said in the statement: "The health and welfare of our firefighters remains the top priority of the Metro Chiefs, In conjunction with the removal of PFAS from Personal Protective Equipment, we encourage all fire service organizations and fire fighters to take the appropriate precautions to reduce and eliminate cancer in the fire service.”
The statement continued: "Identifying safe and effective PFAS-free materials for turnout gear is a long and challenging process. Both the IAFF and Metro Chiefs are dedicated to removing PFAS chemicals from turnout gear. The joint efforts will take place before regulatory bodies and in continuing discussions with manufacturers in the critical initiative of eliminating PFAS “forever chemicals” from turnout gear."
