For decades, firefighters have bravely answered the call, protected by gear designed to resist intense heat and flames. Tragically, that very protective equipment has been linked to a silent health threat. The culprit is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS – a class of toxic “forever chemicals” used in the moisture-resistant liners of firefighting turnout gear like coats and pants. A United States Senate bill, the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act, was introduced in 2024 to provide “compensation for physical injury or death suffered by firefighters in connection with PFAS-related health conditions.”

But what is it, exactly, and has it passed and become law?

All About the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act and PFAS

“PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s because of their useful properties,” the United States Environmental Protection Agency reports.

“Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. However, research is still ongoing to determine how different levels of exposure to different PFAS can lead to a variety of health effects.”

Sadly, there is mounting evidence linking PFAS exposure to a higher risk of several devastating cancers and diseases, including:

• Testicular cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Breast cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• …and more

Recognizing this grave injustice, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers has introduced the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act. This landmark proposed legislation seeks to create a fund to provide financial support for firefighters and their families who are battling these PFAS-related illnesses.

The Act is designed to be a straightforward and accessible resource for those who have sacrificed their health while working as firefighters, simply by wearing gear that may have included these toxic substances, or in the act of battling fires using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). It aims to establish a trust fund to compensate firefighters for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with a PFAS-linked illness, and offer a clear path to compensation without the prolonged, uncertain battle of traditional litigation, ensuring help arrives when it’s needed most.

The Act was sponsored by Senator Cory Booker and co-sponsored by several Democratic and Republican legislators. However, it has not been enacted into law, but could be reintroduced in a new legislative bill in the future.

What Firefighters and Their Loved Ones Can Do Now

Although the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act has not become law, it is crucial for firefighters who may have been exposed to PFAS to be proactive in the meantime.

If you have been diagnosed with a cancer or disease potentially linked to PFAS exposure, taking steps now can protect your future rights. Our firm strongly advises you to consult with an attorney experienced in both your rights and toxic exposure cases who can help you understand all potential avenues for justice and compensation.

If you have detailed records of your medical diagnoses and your fire service history, and have been diagnosed with a health issue that you think may be related to PFAS exposure during your time as a firefighter, you may be able to pursue legal action.

The fight for this compensation is a fight for recognition and justice. Our team wants to support firefighters through this process and will continue to monitor the progress of this critical legislation, but you may already have legal routes to pursue.

If you have questions about your rights and options, please do not hesitate to reach out to Phillips Law Group for a confidential, no-obligation consultation today. Call 602-222-2222 to learn more.