How firefighters life-saving work puts them at a higher risk of cancer

Stephanie Sy:

Over the years, awareness has spread about the hazards of certain flame-retardant materials that, when burned, produce toxic smoke.

More recently, a commonly used firefighting foam has come under scrutiny. It contains extremely high levels of perfluorinated chemicals known by their acronym, PFAS, or PFAS.

They have been manufactured by 3M and DuPont since the 1940s. And they take so long to break down, they are called forever chemicals. They are in everything from nonstick cookware to raincoats. As a result, almost all of us have traces of PFAS in our blood.

But researchers say firefighters are exposed to much higher levels, including in the protective gear they're required to wear.

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