A series of reports in civilian news media examined the impact of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in firefighter turnout gear and its continuing fallout on the industry, with international media joining the fray.
A report by Francesca Cicculli and Laura Fazzini offered a view from Italy, noting that the toxic substances, which are responsible for a large swath of environment contamination in that country, are present in both foams and firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE), but many Italian firefighters were unawarre of their presence and the exposure risks and were not informed of how to avoid contamination. The report suggested that the Minister of the Interior was not appreciating the problem to its fullest extent. English translation here.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Inquirer devoted an in-depth report to the issue of “forever chemicals,” and focused on the case of Anthony Patterson, one of three city firefighters who lost their lives to cancer within five weeks of each other. It also highlighted the International Association of Fire Fighters union’s quest to get manufacturers to produce PFAS-free turnout gear and firefighting foam, as well as proactive steps states like Rhode Island and Washington are taking to address the problem.
KFF Health News reported that a new disclosure rule from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) would require manufacturers to report many products that contain PFAS. These disclosures would be available to the public, and the EPA estimated that it could cost the industry $1B to comply with the rule.
A column by Evan Ramstad in the Minneapolis Star Tribune looked at the lawsuits 3M is facing, in part from PFAS contamination, and how litigation may affect the company. Earlier this year, 3M said it will pay at least $10.3 billion to settle lawsuits over contamination of many U.S. public drinking water systems by the chemicals.
More information on PFAS can be found in the links below:
- Hacking Your PFAS Exposure
- IAFF Engages National Law Firms in Fight Against ‘Forever Chemicals’
- IAFF Files Suit to Halt Toxic Turnout Gear Testing Standard
- Humpday Hangout: Research Update on ‘Forever Chemicals’
- Researcher Responds to Claims About PFAS, Firefighter PPE
- It’s Time for Firefighters to Demand PFAS-Free PPE
- Your Gear, Your Life: Firefighter PPE Toxins and What to Do About Them
