Nearly 20,000 firefighters sue foam chemical companies due to cancer risks

Thousands of firefighters, including nearly 300 from New Jersey, are suing manufacturers of firefighting foam and gear, alleging exposure to toxic chemicals caused their cancer. Retired Port Authority police officer Charles O’Neill linked his prostate cancer to firefighting foam exposure during his career. He is one of nearly 20,000 firefighters suing over a dozen companies for health issues related to chemicals in firefighting products.

Firefighters have elevated levels of PFAS, cancer-linked chemicals, from prolonged exposure through gear and foam compared to the general population. Lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers focus on product-related health issues, alongside new legislation aiming to reduce PFAS use and support affected firefighters.

"We all have PFAS in our blood, but firefighters face additional exposure due to their profession. They used these products to enhance firefighting capabilities without knowing the harmful chemicals involved."

Firefighters face health risks from toxic chemicals in essential firefighting products. Protective gear shields them from flames but can absorb PFAS, while firefighting foam used on fires, especially involving flammable liquids, poses another significant exposure source.