Fire departments concerned about cancer risks are buying gear that is free of forever chemicals
https://apnews.com/article/pfas-firefighters-rhode-island-cancer-forever-chemicals-4c980326a06798eadd4f4cf583973e56
78 points · 4 comments · view on lemmy.world
4 Comments
TheRealKuni@piefed.social · 20 pts · 351d
I could be wrong, but I don’t think the gear is the problem. It’s the foam.
As I understand it, Teflon itself is inert. It’s too big to cause us health problems. But the chemicals used to apply it, like PFOS and PFOA, those are dangerous.
Winthrowe@lemmy.ca · 18 pts · 351d
Teflon is inert at room temperatures. If it breaks down when I get my frying pan too hot, it doesn’t seem like it’s an optimal choice for firefighters gear.
It wouldn’t surprise me if the foam is a way more significant exposure source, though.
Neverclear@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 6 pts · 351d
The gear absolutely is a problem.
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/01/wear-and-tear-may-cause-firefighter-gear-release-more-forever-chemicals
TheRealKuni@piefed.social · 1 pts · 351d
Thanks! I figured there was more to it than I knew.