MnFIRE Supports IAFF and Metro Fire Chiefs Statement on PFAS in Firefighter PPE

As an organization advocating for firefighter health, MnFIRE extends its support for the joint statement regarding PFAS in PPE issued by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association.

The two national organizations presented the statement at the 2023 International Firefighter Cancer Symposium in late February to notify members of the adverse health risks from firefighter turnout gear.

According to the statement, recent studies have shown that all three layers of firefighter turnout gear contain Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a class of fluorinated chemicals known as “forever chemicals” which have been linked to cancer and other serious health effects.

The IAFF and Metro Chiefs ask firefighters to reduce exposure to PFAS in turnout gear by using the following precautions:

  • Turnout gear should NOT be taken into firehouse living areas.
  • When transporting gear in personal vehicles, it should be in a sealed container or bag, and preferably NOT transported in the passenger compartment.
  • Apparatus cabs should be cleaned regularly and after every fire.
  • Wash your hands after handling turnout gear.
  • Legacy turnout gear should be replaced as new PFAS-free technologies become available.
  • Do not wear turnout gear on responses where this level of protection is not necessary.

Cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population.

All of us at MnFIRE join the IAFF and Metro Chiefs as we work together to rid the fire service of occupational cancer.

To learn more about cancer risks and mitigation, all Minnesota fire departments are eligible to sign up for no-cost MnFIRE training here.

Recent News

A quick guide for mindful living practices
May 7, 2025
Know the facts on testicular cancer
April 23, 2025
9 Tips to ease daily stress
April 14, 2025
Striving for better sleep on call and at home
March 18, 2025
Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle to reduce cancer risk
March 7, 2025
Get a glimmer of calm, peace and joy
February 21, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Props to Almelund Fire & Rescue for prioritizing the health and well-being of their firefighters through our no-cost MnFIRE Awareness training!

MnFIRE trainings are available to all Minnesota fire departments and can be scheduled at your convenience. Find the best fit for your department: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

Props to Almelund Fire & Rescue for prioritizing the health and well-being of their firefighters through our no-cost MnFIRE Awareness training!

MnFIRE trainings are available to all Minnesota fire departments and can be scheduled at your convenience. Find the best fit for your department: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

To our hometown heroes here in Minnesota and around the world – we celebrate you and your invaluable service to our communities. Happy #InternationalFirefightersDay!

Day in and day out, we are dedicated to helping you protect your health though the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which ensures that every Minnesota firefighter has access to the education, prevention and care needed to handle a cardiac, emotional trauma or cancer diagnosis: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/
... See MoreSee Less

To our hometown heroes here in Minnesota and around the world – we celebrate you and your invaluable service to our communities. Happy #InternationalFirefightersDay!

Day in and day out, we are dedicated to helping you protect your health though the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which ensures that every Minnesota firefighter has access to the education, prevention and care needed to handle a cardiac, emotional trauma or cancer diagnosis: https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/

MnFORE sponsorship opportunities are still available! By sponsoring the annual golf tournament, you make a difference in the lives of Minnesota firefighters, as MnFIRE works to provide them with the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health. All individuals and businesses of any size are invited – grab the spots before they're gone! mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/ ... See MoreSee Less

MnFORE sponsorship opportunities are still available! By sponsoring the annual golf tournament, you make a difference in the lives of Minnesota firefighters, as MnFIRE works to provide them with the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health. All individuals and businesses of any size are invited – grab the spots before theyre gone! https://mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/

Nice work Carlos Fire Department for emphasizing your team's well-being by completing MnFIRE Awareness training!

Your department can follow suit and become "MnFIRE Aware" of your occupational health risks at no cost! Check out more details here: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

Nice work Carlos Fire Department for emphasizing your teams well-being by completing MnFIRE Awareness training!

Your department can follow suit and become MnFIRE Aware of your occupational health risks at no cost! Check out more details here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, and our goal is to help provide just that – a healthier future for those working in the Minnesota fire service.

The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program offers no-cost physical and emotional health resources for every Minnesota firefighter. Learn more here, or share with a firefighter you know: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/
... See MoreSee Less

Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, and our goal is to help provide just that – a healthier future for those working in the Minnesota fire service.

The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program offers no-cost physical and emotional health resources for every Minnesota firefighter. Learn more here, or share with a firefighter you know: https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/
Load more
Skip to content