Understanding the Risks of PFAS aka Forever Chemicals
Newsletter submitted by PFAS LAW FIRMS: OFFICIAL IAFF LEGAL TEAM HELPING FIREFIGHTERS WITH CANCER
This experienced team of independent law firms has been assembled by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to fight for those made sick by PFAS exposure at work - and do what is necessary to remove these toxic chemicals from fire fighter protective equipment.
PFAS in Turnout Gear
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other diseases. All three layers of fire fighter turnout gear contain PFAS and pose an occupational risk of illness.
Because of the toxic nature of PFAS, bunker gear can put members at unnecessary risk - yet
PFAS-free alternatives are NOT manufactured in the United States or Canada at this time. The legal teams will join the immediate fight to change this to keep IAFF members safe.
Nearly 75% of Deaths Involved Occupational Cancer
Three of every four names added to the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall in 2022 died of occupational cancer. Firefighters battling cancer, in remission from cancer, and the families of those on the Memorial Wall deserve increased support
- which is exactly what the assembled PFAS legal team will strive to provide.
The IAFF is taking on the fight, working through the NFPA Standards process to ensure a pathway for PFAS-free turnout gear. Your union is also lobbying Congress and the Biden administration to provide funds and resources to develop next-generation, PFAS-free gear and support firefighters.
"The health and safety of our members is non-negotiable, period. If manufacturers or regulatory groups refuse to acknowledge and work to remove these toxic chemicals from the protective gear firefighters wear, our members have no other viable remedies than to challenge these practices in court. We will take this battle wherever we need to."
- IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly
