A new report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulator has produced more evidence that firefighters are exposed to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not naturally break down. These chemicals are a serious health risk and cause significant environmental harm.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. In this report, the HSE identifies hazardous exposure to these chemicals as ‘occupational’ for firefighters.
Riccardo la Torre, Fire Brigades Union National Officer said:
We welcome that the issue of firefighters’ exposure to PFAS is being identified and assessed. We are still digesting this report and will be considering whether these recommendations go far enough to protect firefighters from the serious health risks of PFAS. What is clear is that exposure to dangerous chemicals has been allowed to be part of firefighters’ work for far too long. Firefighters are getting ill and dying while the government and employers fail to act.
Dr Richard Daniels rightly refers to the ‘occupational exposure’ firefighters face from PFAS in foams. No-one should face losing their health because of their job. That’s why the FBU demands urgent action on all fronts to protect firefighters from these deadly health risks while they are protecting the public from fires.
In addition to eliminating exposures to PFAS we need other vital measures in place to prevent, mitigate and address exposure to dangerous chemicals. Firefighters also need annual health monitoring to catch diseases early, and access to compensation if they are diagnosed with an occupational disease.’
