IAFF and Metro Chiefs Warn that Firefighter Turnout Gear Poses Cancer Risk
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By Catherine Dorrough
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) have released a joint statement warning members that firefighter turnout gear poses potentially grave health risks.
Turnout gear is known to contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are called “forever chemicals” for their extreme hardiness: They resist breaking down in nature, and they have been found in the blood and breastmilk of people and wildlife worldwide. Found in a wide range of consumer products, they are used in firefighter gear to increase its ability to repel oil and water.
“The IAFF has been working with researchers, advocacy groups, industry stakeholders, and legislative leaders to help address this issue and remove harmful substances from protective equipment,” reads the joint statement. “The IAFF has also recently partnered with the American Cancer Society and hired its first ever Chief Medical Officer to expand cancer research.”
Until the chemicals are removed from turnout gear, the IAFF and Metro Chiefs recommend that firefighters avoid bringing gear into firehouse living areas or personal vehicles, unless the gear is stored away from the passenger area in a sealed container or bag. They also recommend that firefighters wash apparatus cabs after every fire and wash their hands after handing gear.
While the statement advises firefighters not to wear turnout gear on calls where it isn’t necessary, it acknowledges that wearing all personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus still offers the best protection during firefighting, training, overhaul, and while working in smoke to limit exposure to fireground contaminants.
“The time has long passed for occupational cancer to be accepted as ‘part of the job,’” the statement reads. “We must raise our collective voices and diligently work toward a day when firefighting gear will not be a source of fire fighter illness.”
Earlier this year, dozens of firefighters filed lawsuits against gear manufacturers alleging that PFAS in their turnout gear caused adverse health effects, including cancers.