PFAS in the Fire Service

What are PFAS?

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a largely unregulated group of toxic, human-made chemicals. Their carbon-fluorine bond is nearly indestructible, they don’t break down in the environment, and they are highly mobile in air and water. PFAS are used in hundreds of consumer products including non-stick coatings, textiles, food packaging, firefighting foams and gear, pesticides, carpets, artificial turf, furniture, car seats, outdoor gear, cosmetics, and many more.

The use of PFAS in turnout gear poses a problem for both firefighters and the communities in which they live. PFAS are associated with liver damage, thyroid disease, developmental issues, reduced fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancer. Recent research has shown that significant quantities of PFAS are shed from the gear, and are being absorbed into firefighters’ bodies. In 2019, more than 75% of line-of-duty firefighter deaths were from occupational cancer.

Many firefighters don’t want PFAS in their PPE/turnout gear and are fighting for the freedom to choose a PFAS-free option.