IAFF members and the public have an opportunity to see a special showing of “Burned: Protecting the Protectors,” a documentary film that played a key role in the movement to remove PFAS from firefighter turnout gear.
As reported by The International Association of Fire Fighters, the event will take place on Friday, August 2, at 4 p.m. at the Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 Fire Tower in Miami, Doral, Florida.
This free event is sponsored by IAFF, Life Scan Wellness Centers, Local 1403, Ethereal Films, and the Last Call Foundation.
Local 1403 President William McAllister emphasized the importance of the event: “Our members understand all too well the dangers we face every day on the job.
“That should not include PFAS, a known carcinogen, in our bunker gear.”
He added that educating members and the community is crucial for making firefighters safer.
“Burned: Protecting the Protectors” profiles Diane Cotter, who suspected the presence of forever chemicals in turnout gear after her husband, retired Worcester, MA Local 1009 firefighter Paul Cotter, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2014.
Ethereal Films Founder/Director Elijah Yetter-Bowman, who met the Cotters while making another documentary about the PFAS public health crisis, felt compelled to tell their story to drive change in firefighter safety.
Yetter-Bowman stated: “The fastest way to stop this hidden epidemic in the fire service is to talk about it.
“Forever chemicals are one of the most dangerous chemical families ever invented and should have never been part of firefighter turnout gear.
“It’s been an honor to share this story with so many departments and witness the strong demand for change.”
Following the film screening, attendees will hear from experts about the ongoing efforts to eliminate PFAS from firefighter gear.
Speakers will include Elijah Yetter-Bowman, Last Call Foundation Executive Director Jason Burns, Dr. Kate Kapala of the IAFF, Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinex from the University of Miami, and Diane Cotter.
Burns, who was interviewed for the film, highlighted the critical nature of its message for firefighters: “Cancer is one of the leading causes of firefighter death.
“It is imperative that firefighters watch the film and gain some insight into the dangers they face from PFAS use in our bunker gear.”
He emphasized that with the information provided, firefighters can plan preventative measures to reduce exposure and prevent cancer diagnoses.
Since the film’s premiere at the IAFF’s Affiliate Leadership Training Summit on January 30, 2023, there has been significant progress.
Several turnout gear manufacturers have developed non-fluorinated moisture barriers and PFAS-free repellent outer shell coatings.
The IAFF is currently field-testing these new materials.
Additionally, IAFF locals in various locations, including Vancouver, BC Local 18, Concord, NH Local 1045, and San Francisco, CA Local 798, are transitioning to PFAS-free gear, marking a major step forward in protecting firefighters from harmful chemicals.
