Without a doubt, firefighting is one of the most dangerous careers in the world, as these brave people risk their lives to protect their communities on a regular basis. Unfortunately, in addition to obvious risks such as smoke inhalation and life-threatening injuries from collapsing structures, firefighters also face toxic exposure on the job, as they often encounter harmful substances like formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, benzene, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, carbon monoxide, as well as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances while extinguishing blazes. Often dubbed PFAS or 'forever chemicals' because of their persistence in the environment and the human body, these harmful substances are released when firefighters use AFFF, a fire suppressant that sometimes contains 98% 'forever chemicals.' However, they are also exposed to PFAS from their very own turnout gear.
The Watonga Fire Department is a dedicated team serving more than 5,000 residents. According to sources, almost all of the 1,927 properties in Watonga are at risk of wildfire damage over the next three decades. Wildfires pose a serious threat, not just to property but also to lives and essential services like emergency response.
Based on the consolidated report for 2005 to 2018 of the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), the average number of fires per year is 77. The highest number was in 2017 at 113. Thankfully, our brave firefighters were there to battle these blazes. On average, they were able to respond to fire calls within 11 minutes. Sadly, these firefighters are at high risk of developing terrible diseases as a consequence of PFAS exposure in their gear, including kidney and testicular cancer.
Firefighting turnout gear consists of three layers, specifically a thermal liner close to the skin, a moisture barrier, and a water-repellent outer shell. A May 2023 study found that 'forever chemicals' levels were lowest on the gear closest to firefighters' skin and highest on the outer second and third layers. The moisture barrier and the outer shell had PFAS concentrations 400 times higher than the thermal liner. These substances are a significant component of the moisture barrier of turnout gear. Since 2022, manufacturers have been providing firefighters with PFAS-free, water-repellent finishes, yet the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene moisture barrier still contains and emits these hazardous chemicals, endangering the health of these courageous people. Firefighters have a 9% greater risk of developing cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from it.
Currently, manufacturers of firefighting turnout gear use PFAS due to a lack of a more effective alternative. The properties of 'forever chemicals' can impart water and oil resistance to fabrics, so they are used to help firefighting gear meet the safety standards of the National Fire Protection Association Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting criteria for resistance to water, heat, and other hazards. Still, the situation might change in the future, as on July 20, 2023, the PFAS Alternatives Act was proposed by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. This bill proposes to facilitate the development of safer turnout gear materials, accelerate the development of PFAS-free turnout gear, and support guidance and training for firefighters on the most effective practices for reducing harmful exposures on the job.
Moreover, the PFAS Alternatives Act would authorize $25 million every year for each fiscal year between 2024 and 2028 to support the development of new materials, as well as $2 million annually to support guidance and. Ultimately, the PFAS Alternatives Act would expedite the development of turnout gear free of 'forever chemicals' through comprehensive research, executing development initiatives, and rigorously testing the equipment. Minimizing toxic exposure among firefighters is essential for protecting their health and lowering the rate of cancer within this occupational group.
Jonathan Sharp is Chief Financial Officer at Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. The law firm, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, provides assistance to civilian and military firefighters injured by toxic exposure on the job or during active duty. Jonathan Sharp is responsible for the management of firm assets, case evaluation, and financial analysis.