Paid and volunteer firefighters in Butler County, and across the nation, sign up to put their safety on the line to respond in a variety of emergency situations so residents can live, work and play as safely as possible.

A detailed article in the Butler Eagle this past weekend educated readers on the potentially hazardous chemicals hiding in plain sight on the waterproof turnout gear worn by firefighters each time they answer a call.

“Forever chemicals” such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, widely known as PFAS, can migrate to the liver and kidneys over time if exposed to skin.

Bladder and other cancers can result from PFAS, which are used to repel water and oil on firemen’s coats and other gear.

The chemicals also can be found in raincoats, stain-resistant carpeting, cosmetics and food packaging.

The coatings on firefighting gear that contain PFAS protect firefighters not only from water and oil, but also flames. If they weren’t potentially deadly, PFAS would be heroic chemicals that keep firefighters safe.

But fire organizations across the U.S. — including those in Butler County — are considering the dire health issues scientists say result from PFAS.

Unfortunately, as pointed out by Butler Bureau of Fire Chief Chris Switala, fire departments are required to use certain gear that has been approved by the National Fire Protection Association, so coats and other equipment without PFAS would not even be an option, even if they were available.

The article said firefighters are arming themselves with their new awareness about PFAS to campaign for safer alternatives and to hold gear manufacturers accountable.

The National Fire Protection Association, which boasts more than 340,000 members in the U.S. in Canada, is taking the matter seriously by no longer accepting sponsorships or advertising from the chemical industry and by opposing the use of PFAS in firefighting gear.

The Butler Eagle’s respect and appreciation is boundless for the men and women who protect our homes and businesses from destruction by fire and respond to emergencies 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year.

Firefighters leave Christmas dinner to answer calls, take vacation days to help out with fundraisers to keep their fire departments going, are away from their families to complete the endless training required by the state and federal government, and aid police and emergency medical personnel at accidents all over the county.

Needless to say, they should be protected from every danger at all costs, including these insidious chemicals.

The Eagle hopes swift action is taken at the federal level to remediate the problem and change gear requirements to safer versions.

Our men and women who respond to their community’s needs without a moment’s hesitation deserve nothing less.

— PJG