According to a cbsnews.com news article, firefighters throughout the United States are filing lawsuits that allege their protective equipment is causing cancer and cancer-related deaths. Several firefighters believe that toxins are used in the manufacturing of their turnout gear and fire retardants they frequently use. Back in February, there were dozens of firefighters who filed […]
According to a cbsnews.com news article, firefighters throughout the United States are filing lawsuits that allege their protective equipment is causing cancer and cancer-related deaths. Several firefighters believe that toxins are used in the manufacturing of their turnout gear and fire retardants they frequently use. Back in February, there were dozens of firefighters who filed lawsuits that accused manufacturers of firefighting gear of using chemicals that can cause devastating illnesses.
The chemicals in question are called Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances are a class of artificial compounds used to make non-stick pans and make materials fire retardant or waterproof. The firefighter lawsuits blame these PFAS for causing severe adverse health effects, such as cancer, development disorders in children, and other permanent injuries.
The plaintiffs are not filing claims against the fire departments they serve or served. They are pursuing monetary damages from companies that create PFAS and make PFAS-contaminated turnout gear. The manufacturers of firefighting foam have also been named as defendants in some of the firefighter PFAS lawsuits. Firefighting foam helps to fight fires, but the foam often contains dangerous PFAS chemicals.
The defendants in the lawsuits have all denied any wrongdoing, and they argue that there is no clear scientific evidence showing PFAS used in their products causes harm to humans. They also reiterated that their products are safe and meet or exceed industry standards, and firefighters can use their products safely and effectively.
One veteran firefighter from Brockton, Massachusetts, stated that he would never bring his turnout gear into his house because he knows about the chemicals used in them. In 2016, the 46-year-old man was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He believes his exposure to PFAS and other chemicals in his turnout gear caused his prostate cancer. In 2021, his blood tests revealed that his PFAS levels were substantially above the general population. The plaintiff also stated that the danger of these chemicals were known for a long time.
According to Physics Professor Graham Peaslee, with the University of Notre Dame, these PFAS chemicals are also called “forever chemicals” because they last forever and do not degrade. The chemicals, if inhaled or ingested, end up inside the human body and remain there for many years. Professor Peaslee had been studying PFAS in the environment after he learned of another firefighter being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Peaslee was convinced that he should examine and test the turnout gear. Peaslee’s team examined 30 separate sets of firefighting gear. The group of researchers found PFAS in high quantities. They also noted that the outer layer and moisture barrier were highly fluorinated. Professor Peaslee stated that these findings were “very bad.” His research has been cited in several of the firefighters’ lawsuits.
The firefighting community has been seeing substantial rates of cancer. According to the news report, three out of four firefighters who have been added to the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial passed away due to “occupational cancer.” Moreover, there have been a lot more firefighters diagnosed with the deadly disease. There have been many forms of cancers, such as breast cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, and other cancers reported. Some firefighters have battled multiple types of cancers. The victims have stated that they believe they would be cancer-free if it were not for their gear.
Dozens of firefighters have filed new lawsuits that seek monetary damages from turnout manufacturers and PFAS makers. Some of the firefighters have lost benefits and have had to retire early and accept lower retirement payouts. There is hope that the EPA will regulate cancer-causing PFAS chemicals.
Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by toxic PFAS chemicals. For your free consultation, contact our law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).