Firefighters Union Pushes to Rid Protective Gear of ‘Forever Chemicals’

By Kris Maher | The Wall Street Journal | January 26, 2023

Read the full article by Kris Maher (The Wall Street Journal)

"Growing concern among firefighters across the country that high rates of cancer in their profession are linked to chemicals in protective gear they wear has led to a sharp change of course in the union that represents them.

The chemicals, known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been associated with cancers and other illnesses and are coming under greater scrutiny from environmental regulators. After years of playing down concerns about the chemicals, the International Association of Fire Fighters is now urging that gear with PFAS be removed whenever possible.

PFAS were used for decades in products from carpeting and fast-food packaging to cosmetics. Many companies say they will stop using the chemicals, as more states begin to ban products containing them."

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• ProductsFirefighting foam
• SourcesFire departments
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Affected community
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses