Why Go PFAS-free?

Why are firefighters asking for PFAS-free PPE/gear?

This is an important question and we have some perspectives on why firefighters should have, at the very least, the option to choose PFAS-free gear. Read more below and grab some key message points for speaking to your department or towns/cities.

Why are some firefighters asking for PFAS-free PPE/turnout gear?

• The use of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (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.

  • If you are a firefighter and are interested in medical screening for PFAS, here are some resources to print or email and take to your physician:

    • Medical Screening guidance for people impacted by PFAS contamination

    • Medical Screening guidance for clinicians/physicians

    • Health and Clinician Guidance on PFAS medical monitoring webinar

      • Also available for FREE continuing medical education (CME) credits for clinicians HERE

    • Quest Diagnostics offers the testing of six PFAS (some insurance plans cover it), but note that they will only test your linear levels, meaning it won’t be your complete PFAS total. Complete PFAS testing includes branched and linear results, giving a full PFAS total. However, if you’re results are close to or above the national average, you’ll be able to better monitor some PFAS-related health issues. (Test Code: 39307; CPT Code: 82542)

      • Once you have your results, you can see how you stack up against the national average and other communities by entering your levels HERE.

• Recent research has shown that significant quantities of PFAS are shed from firefighter gear, and are being absorbed into their bodies.

• In 2019, more than 75% of line-of-duty firefighter deaths were from occupational cancer. (via IAFF)

• PFAS-free gear eliminates PFAS released during the life cycle of the gear.

  • Production, manufacturing, wear/use, end-of-life (landfill, training, sent to emerging nations).

• PFAS-free gear reduces the PFAS chemicals that come off the gear during each wash and go directly into our water treatment facilities.

• PFAS-free gear reduces the PFAS dust exposures in the firehouse.

• PFAS-free gear eliminates PFAS exposure to anyone who is given retired turnout gear.

• PFAS-free gear reduces the exposures that family, friends, and community members could face from handling gear, storing gear in family vehicles, or attending public functions while wearing gear.

• PFAS-free gear supports environmental stewardship by limiting nonessential uses of PFAS to minimize human and environmental exposures.

  • **Note: PFAS are nicknamed ‘forever chemicals’ because they will remain here long after humans are gone. If all 1.2M firefighters switched to PFAS-free gear, that would substantially lower the planet’s burden.

  • Resource: EWG’s PFAS in Firefighting Timeline