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Then and Now: How Forever Chemicals Changed Firefighting

Fire turnout coats and helmets hang in a row on hooks

Forever chemicals profoundly affected firefighting, and decades later these compounds continue to influence the industry, only this time for the better. When manufacturers added hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to fire suppressants and clothing, they introduced toxins into this field and marketed the gear as safe. PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ persist in the environment, wildlife, and even human bodies. Cancer risks for individuals exposed to PFAS increased due to contact with foam suppressants and turnout gear, and only now has the industry begun to demand better safety and exposure prevention.

AFFF was intended to enhance the performance—and ironically—the safety of firefighting, but it put generations of first responders and military members at risk of toxic exposure. Countless lives were lost to diseases linked to PFAS exposure, but fire service members can at least take solace in the positive changes we are now seeing in the industry.

The History of Forever Chemicals in Firefighter Gear

In the 1930s, a chemist discovered PFAS accidentally, and companies quickly realized the value of compounds that resisted heat, oil, water, fire, and electricity. Manufacturers added these man-made substances to various consumer goods, and by the mid-1960s, forever chemicals were prevalent in the firefighting industry. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a fire suppressant containing PFAS, was quickly adopted and used to control fuel fires on naval ships, military bases, and in airplane hangars, and civilian fire departments followed their lead. Manufacturers added PFAS to fabric used for firefighter clothing, lending turnout gear its water-repelling, heat-resistant characteristics.

Manufacturers knew about the link between PFAS exposure and health risks for years but concealed the studies and continued to sell ‘safety equipment’ to fire departments, the military, and airports. Once the misconceptions about PFAS and AFFF were corrected, fire industry members and advocates pushed for an overhaul of health and safety standards to improve the future of firefighting.

Revising Safety Standards

Now, fire stations and airports may choose safer alternatives to AFFF. The military is also making strides to eliminate PFAS-containing equipment and foam.

These are some of the regulation updates that limit PFAS exposure for firefighters:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing standard updates for fire brigades’ protective equipment and performance regulations which have been largely unchanged since the 1980s.
  • Many state governments prohibit training firefighters with AFFF and heavily restrict the sale and disposal of these compounds.
  • Fire foam discharges, even for emergencies, are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to the impact AFFF makes on the environment and public health. 
  • The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) adjusted its turnout gear standards to ensure uniforms resist contamination and can be easily cleaned.
  • The Department of Defense ordered the military to plan to eliminate PFAS firefighting foam at its airplane hangars and other federal facilities in the coming years.

Renewed Research in Firefighting Technology

The need for safer firefighting suppressants inspired a renaissance in an area previously dominated by negligent manufacturers. While manufacturers were historically worried about profits alone, they now must factor in the safety aspects of firefighting equipment, suppressants, and gear.

AFFF alternatives, such as liquid drainage floors, PFAS-free expansion foams, mist sprinklers, and trench-and-nozzle systems, exist so the industry isn’t starting over from scratch. Many fire stations, airplane hangars, and even some Air Force fire departments have already made the switch. Every facility that embraces alternative suppressants reduces firefighters’ exposure to forever chemicals for good.

Improved Cancer Prevention Efforts

Exposure to toxic cancer-causing forever chemicals in firefighting gear and training caused first responders to fall ill at extraordinary rates. Thankfully, health risks are no longer written off as ‘a part of the job,’ and firefighters’ advocates now push for better prevention campaigns and improved safety. Fire station culture shifted to prioritize healthy habits, like cleaning gear and safely handling workplace hazards.

The high incidence of cancer amongst this population has also inspired in-depth case studies and analyses of the disease. Researchers study firefighters’ experiences to increase the field’s understanding of disease clusters and chemical exposure. All of these efforts inform treatment and diagnostics to improve the outcome for future generations.

Demanding Accountable Suppliers

It’s hard to imagine why anyone would intentionally harm rescue workers, but that’s exactly what manufacturers of AFFF did—for decades. Concealing studies that confirmed PFAS additives caused adverse health effects was a betrayal that the fire industry won’t easily forget. Firefighters take extra measures to protect themselves from future harm and negligent suppliers. Advocates for firefighters continue to move the multidistrict litigation against AFFF manufacturers forward.