PFAS Firefighter Lawsuit [2024 Update] | Turnout Gear Contaminated by Forever Chemicals

What Are PFAS and Why are They Dangerous?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products for their resistance to heat, water, and grease.

The durability of PFAS chemicals makes them effective in many industries, from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing.

However, these same qualities that make PFAS useful also make them harmful.

PFAS compounds do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body, which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Once PFAS enter the body, they can accumulate in the bloodstream and organs over time, leading to potential long-term health effects.

Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other health authorities have linked PFAS exposure to serious conditions such as cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

Their persistence in both ecosystems and living organisms raises significant concerns about the widespread contamination of water sources, soil, and even food, further amplifying the risks associated with PFAS exposure.

Common Applications of PFAS in Firefighting

In firefighting, PFAS are primarily found in two key areas: AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) and turnout gear.

AFFF has been used for decades to quickly suppress fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline or jet fuel, making it a critical tool for firefighters and military personnel.

However, the PFAS chemicals in AFFF, while effective in fire suppression, are highly persistent in the environment and human body, leading to serious long-term health risks.

Similarly, turnout gear—the protective clothing worn by firefighters—often contains PFAS due to its fire-resistant and water-repellent properties.

This gear protects firefighters from the immediate dangers of heat and flames but also serves as a source of PFAS exposure.

Over time, the PFAS in firefighting foam and gear can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, accumulating in the body and increasing the risk of health issues such as cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system dysfunction.

Firefighters are regularly exposed to these chemicals in both active fire situations and during training exercises, raising concerns about the bioaccumulation of PFAS in their bodies.

As more research reveals the harmful effects of prolonged PFAS exposure, efforts are being made to find safer alternatives for firefighting tools and protective clothing.

PFAS and Cancer Risk in Firefighters

Firefighters face significantly higher risks of developing cancer compared to the general population due to their exposure to hazardous chemicals, including PFAS.

Recent investigations are exploring the possibility that PFAS found in both AFFF firefighting foam and turnout gear may be a contributing factor to the increased cancer diagnoses among firefighters.

Studies have linked prolonged PFAS exposure to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid cancer, among other serious health conditions.

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act was established to track these cancer rates and help identify the potential sources of exposure, including PFAS.

Growing evidence suggests that PFAS-containing turnout gear, designed to protect firefighters from fire, may actually be leaching harmful chemicals, increasing the risk of cancer over time.

This has raised concerns within the firefighting community, leading to calls for safer alternatives in both firefighting foam and protective gear​.

The High Prevalence of PFAS Compounds in Firefighter Gear

One study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2024 provides further evidence of PFAS presence in firefighter turnout gear.

In the study, NIST researchers analyzed the textiles used in firefighting coats and pants, which are typically constructed in three layers to resist extreme heat.

They discovered that the outer two layers, which are directly exposed to heat and fire, contain the highest concentrations of PFAS.

This suggests that the very gear designed to protect you is a potential source of hazardous chemicals.

The study also emphasizes that the amount of PFAS can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and fabric combination, suggesting that certain turnout gear may pose a higher risk than others.

Due to the high and varied prevalence of PFAS in turnout gear, researchers concluded by emphasizing the importance of material alternatives to make PFAS-free turnout gear.

Length of PFAS Exposure and Risk

Mounting research shows a disturbing connection between PFAS exposure and cancer risk in firefighters.

One recent study entitled Firefighters’ Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) as an Occupational Hazard (2023) reveals that firefighters are regularly exposed to elevated levels of PFAS — both in their turnout gear and in the fire station environment.

PFAS from AFFF, as well as airborne particles and dust within fire stations, have been identified as significant sources of exposure.

The study highlights that PFAS can migrate from the treated outer layers of turnout gear to the inner layers, exposing you even when you’re not actively fighting a fire.

This prolonged exposure could increase your risk of developing cancer, as studies have found that firefighters are diagnosed with cancer at higher rates than the general population.

Legislative and Regulatory Responses to PFAS in Firefighting Gear

As awareness of PFAS-related safety concerns and health risks grows, both government agencies and local governments are taking action to protect firefighters from further exposure.

These regulatory efforts aim to reduce PFAS contamination and hold responsible parties accountable for the harmful effects of these chemicals.

EPA’s Designation of PFAS as Hazardous Substances

In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a significant step by classifying two commonly used PFAS chemicals — PFOA and PFOS — as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund.

This designation is crucial because it strengthens the ability to track, clean up, and hold polluters accountable for PFAS contamination in communities across the country.

San Francisco Ban on PFAS in Fire Fighter Protective Gear

On a local level, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors made headlines in May 2024 by unanimously passing a proposal to ban the use of PFAS in firefighter clothing and gear.

This new law, which is expected to take full effect by June 30, 2026, mandates that the city’s fire department transition to PFAS-free protective clothing.

Over 1,400 firefighters will be impacted by this change, which is aimed at reducing their exposure to these harmful chemicals while on duty.

San Francisco’s initiative is one of the earliest municipal-level efforts to prioritize firefighter health by eliminating PFAS from essential equipment.

To protect its firefighters from the dangers of PFAS exposure, the San Francisco Fire Department is actively advocating for the development and implementation of PFAS-free turnout gear to reduce health risks associated with these harmful chemicals.

Their efforts highlight the growing movement within fire departments across the country to seek safer alternatives to traditional firefighter protective gear.

Legal Action for Firefighters Exposed to PFAS Through Protective Equipment

Lawsuits are being filed by firefighters who have developed cancer and other serious health problems after being exposed to PFAS through protective equipment.

These lawsuits are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) along with other lawsuits that are related to direct exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, which also contains PFAS chemicals.

The PFAS firefighter lawsuits target several major corporations that manufacture AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) and firefighter gear containing PFAS compounds.

Companies such as 3M, DuPont, and BASF are accused of producing these toxic chemicals without adequately warning users about the significant health risks associated with prolonged PFAS exposure, including cancer and immune system disorders.

These corporations allegedly continued to market their products for use in firefighter protective gear and firefighting foams, despite knowing the potential harm.

Multidistrict Litigation: MDL 2873

To manage the increasing number of lawsuits, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized the AFFF-related cases and PFAS Firefighter Gear Lawsuits under MDL 2873.

This process allows for efficient handling of common issues across cases.

These cases share common legal questions regarding the effects of PFAS found in AFFF and certain firefighter protective equipment.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Firefighting Gear Lawsuits

If you’re a firefighter exposed to PFAS through your gear and have developed severe health problems, you may be eligible to take legal action.

At TorHoerman Law, we are dedicated to advocating for firefighters and their families affected by these harmful substances.

If you suspect that your health issues are linked to PFAS exposure, our firm can help assess your eligibility to file a lawsuit and guide you through the process.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to instantly find out if you’re eligible to join the PFAS Firefighter Gear Lawsuit.