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.

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Do you live in Southwest Minnesota? We need your help to make our crucial trainings happen in tandem with our team of medical experts!

We're currently searching for new MnFIRE training instructors – especially folks who live in or near the Southwest Minnesota region – to facilitate our free trainings on topics like cardiac, emotional wellness, cancer, sleep, and fitness & nutrition in communities like Willmar, Marshall, Redwood Falls, Montevideo, Alexandria and more.

If interested, please contact us at mnfireinitiative.com/contact-us/.
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Do you live in Southwest Minnesota? We need your help to make our crucial trainings happen in tandem with our team of medical experts!

Were currently searching for new MnFIRE training instructors – especially folks who live in or near the Southwest Minnesota region – to facilitate our free trainings on topics like cardiac, emotional wellness, cancer, sleep, and fitness & nutrition in communities like Willmar, Marshall, Redwood Falls, Montevideo, Alexandria and more.

If interested, please contact us at https://mnfireinitiative.com/contact-us/.

Sign your department up for this impactful FREE health and wellness training at mnfireinitiative.com/training/.I want to thank our members with their spouses and Carsonville Township Board for attending our MNFIRE Awareness training and dinner. The MNFIRE Awareness talked about the cardiac issues, emotional trauma and cancer that we as Firefighters are exposed to every time we respond to a fire.
Also want to thank Crystal Krautkremer for presenting!
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Sign your department up for this impactful FREE health and wellness training at https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/.

Shout out to the Nicollet Fire Department for joining us for a cardiac deep-dive training!

In this class, we look at the heightened risk factors for heart disease and the types of cardiac issues that most commonly impact firefighters. Most importantly, we address the prevention strategies needed to help firefighters protect their hearts.

Sign up your department for a FREE MnFIRE training at mnfireinitiative.com/training/.
... See MoreSee Less

Shout out to the Nicollet Fire Department for joining us for a cardiac deep-dive training!

In this class, we look at the heightened risk factors for heart disease and the types of cardiac issues that most commonly impact firefighters. Most importantly, we address the prevention strategies needed to help firefighters protect their hearts.

Sign up your department for a FREE MnFIRE training at mnfireinitiative.com/training/.
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