Every day, firefighters charge into infernos, risking everything to save lives. Theirs is a life defined by courage, facing unseen dangers in toxic fumes and hazardous conditions. Unfortunately, firefighters are also on the front lines against a range of diseases; most alarmingly, cancer.
The Fire Brigade’s Union found that the mortality rate of firefighters from cancer is 1.6 times higher than that of the general public. Beyond cancer, these warriors are also five times more vulnerable to heart attacks and three times more vulnerable to strokes.
While the immediate perils of their profession are well-known, there’s a more sinister threat that could be just as deadly – their turnout gear.
Could the gear that’s supposed to be their shield be an unwitting Trojan horse? Stick with us as we uncover the truth behind the toxicity of the firefighter turnout gear.
The Threat of PFAS Exposure in Firefighting Turnout Gear
Paul Cotter, a dedicated firefighter, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014. His wife, Diane, who was a helpless witness to Paul’s life taking a tragic turn, went on a relentless quest for answers.
Diane eventually discovered that the very gear designed to protect her husband was laced with toxic PFAS chemicals. Cotter isn’t the first firefighter to have received a cancer diagnosis due to his turnout gear, and he probably won’t be the last.
When firefighters wear these gear for extended periods amidst high temperatures, they run a higher risk of PFAS absorption. In fact, the wear and tear that their gear suffers further worsens the situation.
A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology highlights this issue. It reveals that as the gear sustains abrasion, it tends to release more PFAS chemicals.
The newfound awareness of these threats in the firefighting communities has led to a stronger call for action. While research to replace these gear with safer alternatives across the globe is underway, a foolproof, sustainable solution is yet to arrive.
What is Being Done To Deal With The Threat?
To tackle the threat of PFAS exposure that firefighters face from their gear, an act was passed in the US last year. The PFAS Alternatives Act was introduced in Congress on July 20, 2023, by Brian Fitzpatrick. While it is yet to be passed as a law, here is what it will do once law is made:
It was authorize $25 million annually to support the development of new firefighting gear between 2024 and 2028. It would also fund research for developing PFAS-free firefighting foam – another toxic threat to firefighters that we’ll discuss next.
AFFF Firefighting Foam – Another Source of PFAS Exposure Among Firefighters
Yes, the firefighting gear is toxic. But it isn’t the only PFAS exposure threat faced by the firefighters. Another threat prevalent in the community, although it might not hit so close to home, is the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF).
TorHoerman Law notes that this firefighting foam was first introduced by 3M in the 1960s. Since then, AFFF’s widespread use in suppressing dangerous fires in industrial facilities has made it popular around the world.
However, the knowledge of firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals wasn’t prevalent back then. In recent years, as more firefighters suffered cancer diagnoses, the toxicity of AFFF came to light. It also led those battling firefighter foam cancer to file a lawsuit against its manufacturers, seeking compensation for their sufferings.
What’s even more disturbing is the fact that cancer isn’t the only threat PFAS exposure holds for firefighters. Consumer Notice highlights how these chemicals have also been linked to a wide range of other health concerns. These include asthma, fertility issues, thyroid, liver damage, ulcerative colitis, preeclampsia, cholesterol problems, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are structure firefighters and wildland firefighters different?
Structure firefighters are trained to work in heavily populated urban environments, focusing on saving lives and property while containing the spreading fire. Wildland firefighters, on the other hand, are trained to manage large-scale fires over rural terrains. Their job is often seasonal, unlike the year-round profession of the former.
Are women employed in the firefighting industry?
Yes. Firefighting was predominantly a male profession in the beginning. However, the 1970s saw an advent of female employees in both professional and volunteer fire departments in several countries. Today, they serve various roles in the fire service, despite their total population being less than 10%.
How to reduce PFAS exposure from firefighting turnout gear?
To reduce PFAS exposure from firefighting turnout gear, firefighters should avoid bringing them into their living areas. It’s also recommended to store the gear in a sealed bag or container while traveling with it and wash your hands after handling it.
Firefighters are our protectors. This is why it’s our job to ensure that their health and well-being are protected as they risk their lives to save ours. The threat of toxic PFAS exposure that they face isn’t a matter that can be overlooked.
To safeguard the firefighting community, we must take immediate action to switch their gear and firefighting foams with safer alternatives. After all, our safety from fire hazards is only intact as long as these heroes are safe.
