As a Seattle Fire Fighter and President of Seattle Fire Fighters Union, Local 27, I have witnessed too many of my brothers and sisters in the fire service develop cancer and die. Many research studies provide scientific evidence that there is a direct correlation between fire fighting and cancer, and that fighters face an increased risk of cancer due to occupational exposures to chemicals as a result of our job. In fact, fire fighters have higher rates of all cancers combined than the US population.  

In our modern society, fighting fires is like working in a chemical plant. We are exposed to a wide variety of chemicals in the toxic smoke created when homes burn. Our protective gear actually soaks up this toxic smoke and some of the worst chemicals found in the smoke can seep right through to our skin.

Fire fighters willingly take risks each and every day to protect the public. But we are also trained to avoid unnecessary risks and to mitigate risks as much as possible. So, while there are many sources of toxic chemical exposure we have to be concerned with, one source can clearly be prevented: toxic flame retardants.

For decades, manufacturing companies have been using extremely harmful flame retardants in sofas, car seats, cribs, sleeping pads, and changing pads instead of fireproofing products in a way that is not toxic to the health of children and fire fighters. A range of cancer-causing and neurotoxic chemicals are found in these products in the name of fire safety which are killers when exposed to the heat of a fire. They are just as toxic and dangerous in our homes without being burned as well. The flame retardants slowly escape into the air and are exposing our kids to harmful chemicals each and every day.

We now know that they are not necessary for fire safety. The California furniture standard that drove much of the use of these harmful chemicals has now been updated and companies can, and are, using inherently fire resistant materials and other methods to achieve fire safe products. However, there is not a law to prevent companies from using cancer-causing chemicals in their products. That’s why we need the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (2ESHB 1174).

It is common-sense legislation that phases out the most harmful flame retardants in children’s products and furniture and helps ensure other ones don’t take their place. It passed the Washington State House two years in a row but stalled in the Senate. The bill has been introduced again this year, and this time it’s time for the Senate and House to work together to enact this important piece of legislation.

Fire safety, fire prevention, and cancer prevention is of paramount concern to fire fighters. The “Toxic-Free Kids and Family Act” will help us achieve all of these goals.

For another perspective on the legislation, click here.

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