Firefighters

Firefighting can expose you to dangerous PFAS in your gear and foam—raising your risk for cancer and other health problems. These resources can help you protect your health on and off the job.

It’s well documented that firefighters face significantly higher cancer rates than the general population—often linked to toxic chemical exposures on the job, especially PFAS. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and turnout gear are major sources of PFAS, but these chemicals are also widely used in consumer products and can be released into the air when household items burn.

This page breaks down the key sources of PFAS exposure and offers practical solutions to reduce your risk—through healthier workplace practices and policy changes to improve worker safety. Understanding the hazards you face is the first step toward protecting yourself, your crew, and the next generation of firefighters.