Holding Chemical and Gear Manufacturers Accountable
Montana firefighters dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. Every time they respond to a call, they put their health and safety on the line. But what many firefighters don’t realize is that the very gear designed to protect them may also be exposing them to dangerous chemicals linked to cancer.
At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we help Montana firefighters and their families take legal action against the manufacturers of toxic firefighting foam and turnout gear that contain PFAS chemicals—also known as “forever chemicals.” We don’t handle workers’ compensation claims. Our focus is on holding chemical companies and gear manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by these toxic substances.
PFAS Exposure: The Hidden Danger in Firefighting
For decades, firefighters across Montana and the country have used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to fight jet fuel and petroleum fires. This foam, along with the protective gear firefighters wear, contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—a group of man-made chemicals that don’t break down easily in the body or the environment.
PFAS have been used because they resist heat, water, and oil. Unfortunately, those same properties make them toxic and long-lasting once they enter the bloodstream. Firefighters are exposed through:
- Direct contact with firefighting foam during training or emergencies
- Wearing turnout gear treated with PFAS for heat and water resistance
- Breathing contaminated air or dust particles at fire scenes or stations
- Drinking or using water near contaminated fire training sites
Over time, PFAS build up in the body, increasing the risk of cancer and other serious health problems.
Health Risks Linked to PFAS Exposure
Firefighters already face higher cancer risks than the general public, and studies now show that PFAS may be a major reason why. Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver and thyroid disease
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Immune system and hormonal issues
Because these chemicals persist for years, even retired firefighters may continue to face health problems long after leaving service.
Turnout Gear and the PFAS Problem
Firefighter turnout gear—sometimes called bunker gear—includes the jackets, pants, gloves, and hoods worn during firefighting operations. The moisture barrier and outer shell of this gear often contain PFAS. These chemicals are used to make the fabric water- and oil-resistant, but they can leach out over time. Recent testing has revealed measurable levels of PFAS on both new and used turnout gear, meaning exposure can happen during everyday wear, not just during fires. Firefighters may absorb PFAS through their skin or inhale it while wearing or cleaning their gear.
These dangers are not new. Many gear manufacturers and chemical producers knew about the health risks tied to PFAS but continued to sell these products without proper warnings. Now, firefighters across the country are fighting back.
What Firefighters and Families Can Do
If you’ve served as a firefighter in Montana and have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, there are steps you can take:
- Get medical testing for PFAS exposure and document your diagnosis.
- Keep records of your firefighting career, training sites, and exposure history.
- Avoid signing settlements or releases with any manufacturer or agency before speaking with a lawyer.
- Talk to an attorney experienced in PFAS and toxic exposure cases—not just workers’ comp.
We’ll help you understand your options, gather the right evidence, and take legal action to seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other damages.
Contact a Montana PFAS Exposure Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after years of firefighting in Montana, you don’t have to face this alone. The companies that made and sold these dangerous products must be held responsible for the harm they caused.
