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Often called “forever chemicals,” perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are part of a group of chemicals referred to as PFAS, which are a growing source of concern for public agencies, businesses, individuals, and communities — and increasingly the subject of federal legislation and nationwide litigation. These synthetic chemicals were introduced in the 1940s.  PFAS persist in the environment, drinking water, and the human body for extended periods of time, and prolonged exposure to PFAS can have serious negative health effects, such as cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, reproductive and developmental problems, immune system dysfunction, and elevated cholesterol levels, and increases the risk of asthma and thyroid disease.  

Approximately 397 military installations throughout the United States have contaminated drinking water that threatens the health and safety of service members, their families, and civilians working on those installations. The contamination is from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”). PFAS are man-made chemicals that do not break down over time and survive in the environment literally forever. Hence, the nickname given them – “forever chemicals.” The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has confirmed that exposure to PFAS may result in adverse health effects.

Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession. As first responders, firefighters routinely risk their lives to protect and save others. In recent decades, advances in the technology used to fight fires and protect firefighters have ironically created a new risk for firefighters: cancer and other serious health issues. Most — and probably all — firefighters have been unknowingly exposed to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.