Firefighters fear the toxic chemicals in their gear could be contributing to rising cancer cases

BOSTON (AP) — Firefighters around the country are concerned that gear laced with PFAS, a group of toxic industrial compounds, could be one reason why cancer rates among their ranks are rising. The chemical, which has been linked to health problems including several types of cancer, is used in turnout gear to repel water and other substances when fighting a fire. Along with the health concerns, firefighters through lawsuits and advocacy campaigns are alleging producers of the chemicals and makers of the gear failed to disclose PFAS was in the gear and, even when it became public, downplayed the safety concerns of these chemicals.