Introduction to the Concerns of Fire Departments
Every time a firefighter rushes out on a fire call, they put themselves at risk for cancer. There are potential carcinogens in the smoke billowing out of a house fire, but also risks from wearing chemically-treated gear. Last month, the Rhode Island fire department became the nation’s first to give its 125 firefighters new gear free of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Known as forever chemicals because of how long they remain in the environment, PFAS have been linked to a host of health problems, including increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and babies born with low birth weights.
The Dangers of PFAS in Firefighting Gear
The PFAS in the multilayered coats and pants — primarily meant to repel water and contaminants like oil and prevent moisture-related burns — have been a growing concern among firefighters for several years. Cancer has replaced heart disease as the biggest cause of line-of-duty deaths, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters, the union that represents firefighters and EMS workers. Firefighters are at higher risk than the general population of getting skin, kidney and other types of cancer, according to a study led by the American Cancer Society.
Why is PFAS in the Gear?
The PFAS in firefighting gear have been a growing concern among firefighters for several years. Firefighters respond to fires while wearing recently issued non-PFAS turnout gear. The IAFF is concerned about firefighting foam that contains the chemical and is being phased out in many places. “The question that is obvious to us is that why would we have carcinogens intentionally infused into our personal protective equipment?” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said at a news conference this month.
Lawsuits and State Bans
Still, health concerns among firefighters have sparked a flurry of lawsuits against makers of gear and PFAS chemicals. Seven states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, have passed laws banning PFAS in gear and two others introduced bills calling for bans, according to the IAFF. The union has also targeted the agency that sets voluntary standards for firefighting gear and other safety requirements. In a 2023 lawsuit, the union accused the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, of setting standards that can only be met with PFAS-treated material and working with several gear makers to maintain that requirement — something the association denied.
Finding PFAS-Free Gear Isn’t Always Easy
Amid the state bans and legal fights, some of the largest gear makers are shifting away from PFAS. Smaller companies have also emerged marketing what they claim is PFAS-free gear. Hydrocarbon wax or silicone-based finish often replaces PFAS in the outer shell and removes it from the middle, moisture barrier. The changing gear landscape is giving fire departments an opportunity to make the switch to safer alternatives. Vancouver, Canada, purchased PFAS-free gear last year while Manchester, New Hampshire, bought new gear in March. Gilroy, California, and Belmont, Massachusetts, are in the process of making the switch, the IAFF said.
Is the Transition Going Too Fast?
Researchers at Duke and North Carolina State universities argue concerns over the new gear suggest the transition away from PFAS has been rushed — potentially exposing firefighters to new chemicals and giving them gear that hasn’t been proven safe. “I’ve talked to fire chiefs, fire departments across the country, across the world, they’re all dealing with it,” said Bryan Ormond, a professor at North Carolina State and director of its Milliken Textile Protection and Comfort Center. But Graham Peaslee, an emeritus professor at the University of Notre Dame who tested gear for San Francisco and Quincy and is working with five other departments, said concerns about PFAS-free gear were a “scare tactic” from the chemical companies that want to keep selling their products.
Conclusion
Fire departments are taking steps to protect their firefighters from the risks of PFAS in their gear. The transition to PFAS-free gear is not always easy, but it is a necessary step to reduce the risk of cancer and other health problems. As the gear landscape continues to change, fire departments must stay vigilant and ensure that their gear is safe and effective. With the help of organizations like the IAFF and researchers like Graham Peaslee, firefighters can feel more confident that their gear is not putting them at risk.
FAQs
- What are PFAS and why are they a concern for firefighters?
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that have been linked to a host of health problems, including increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and babies born with low birth weights. Firefighters are at risk of exposure to PFAS through their gear and the smoke they breathe in while fighting fires. - What is being done to address the issue of PFAS in firefighting gear?
Several states have passed laws banning PFAS in gear, and the IAFF is working to raise awareness about the issue and push for safer alternatives. Some gear makers are shifting away from PFAS, and smaller companies are emerging with PFAS-free options. - How can fire departments ensure that their gear is safe and effective?
Fire departments can work with organizations like the IAFF and researchers like Graham Peaslee to test their gear and ensure that it meets safety standards. They can also stay up-to-date on the latest developments in PFAS-free gear and work with manufacturers to develop safer alternatives. - What are the potential risks of transitioning to PFAS-free gear too quickly?
Researchers argue that the transition to PFAS-free gear may be happening too quickly, potentially exposing firefighters to new chemicals and giving them gear that hasn’t been proven safe. However, others argue that the risks of PFAS outweigh the potential risks of new gear, and that the transition is necessary to protect firefighters’ health. - What can individual firefighters do to protect themselves from PFAS exposure?
Individual firefighters can take steps to protect themselves by wearing their gear correctly, following proper decontamination procedures, and staying informed about the latest developments in PFAS-free gear. They can also work with their departments to push for safer alternatives and ensure that their gear is safe and effective.
By MICHAEL CASEY
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Every time he rushed out on a fire call, East Providence Lt. Thomas Votta knew he put himself at risk for cancer. There are potential carcinogens in the smoke billowing out of a house fire, but also risks from wearing his chemically-treated gear.
Last month, the Rhode Island fire department became the nation’s first to give the 11-year veteran and all his 124 fellow firefighters new gear free of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Known as forever chemicals because of how long they remain in the environment, PFAS have been linked to a host of health problems, including increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and babies born with low birth weights.
“We are exposed to so many chemicals when we go to fires,” Votta said. “Having it inside our gear, touching or very close to our skin was very, very concerning. Knowing that’s gone now, it gives us a little bit of relief. We’re not getting it from every angle.”
Why is PFAS in the gear?
The PFAS in the multilayered coats and pants — primarily meant to repel water and contaminants like oil and prevent moisture-related burns — have been a growing concern among firefighters for several years.
Firefighters respond to a fire while wearing recently issued non-PFAS turnout gear on July 3, 2025, in East Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Cancer has replaced heart disease as the biggest cause of line-of-duty deaths, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters, the union that represents firefighters and EMS workers. Firefighters are at higher risk than the general population of getting skin, kidney and other types of cancer, according to a study led by the American Cancer Society.
Firefighters are exposed to smoke from faster and hotter blazes in buildings and wildfires, many containing toxic chemicals like arsenic and asbestos. In addition to the PFAS in their gear, the IAFF is also concerned about firefighting foam that contains the chemical and is being phased out in many places.
“The question that is obvious to us is that why would we have carcinogens intentionally infused into our personal protective equipment?” IAFF General President Edward Kelly, who was elected in 2021 in part on a campaign to address PFAS dangers, said at a news conference this month.
It can be difficult to determine the cause of a firefighter’s cancer since the disease can take years to develop and genetics, diet and other lifestyle factors can play a role, experts say. Where a firefighter works — cities, suburbs or rural areas — also can impact the level of exposure to toxins.
“That’s good they’re shining a light on the health of their workers,” said Dr. Lecia Sequist, program director at the Cancer Early Detection and Diagnostics Clinic at Mass General Hospital.
“But I don’t think the data is mature enough that we have a clear understanding of what the unique causes of cancer in firefighters might be that’s different from the general population.”
Lawsuits and state bans
Still, health concerns among firefighters have sparked a flurry of lawsuits against makers of gear and PFAS chemicals. Seven states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island,
