Firefighter's Wife Fights 'Forever Chemicals' in Protective Gear

The Link Between Gear and Cancer

• 💡 Diane Cotter suspects her husband, Paul, developed prostate cancer due to "forever chemicals" like PFOA in his firefighter turnout gear.
• 🎯 Paul, a Lieutenant with the Massachusetts Worcester Fire Department for nearly three decades, was diagnosed in 2014.
• 🔍 Diane's investigation into the gear's degradation led her to discover the use of PFOA, a known carcinogen, in the protective equipment.

The Crusade for Safer Gear

• 🚀 Diane's mission began after a conversation with Erin Brockovich, who inquired about PFOA in firefighter gear.
• ⚠️ It was challenging to obtain information from the industry, safety institutions, or fabric manufacturers.
• 🔬 Diane eventually found a scientist to test a set of gear, revealing that the equipment meant to protect firefighters could actually harm them.

Progress and Advocacy

• 📈 Diane is advocating for fire gear and protection free from forever chemicals, seeing momentum build across the United States.
• 🤝 Federal legislation and support from partners like the Environmental Working Group are advancing the cause.
• 📣 The firefighters' union, under new president Ed Kelly, has also become a strong advocate for this issue.
• 🗣️ Firefighters themselves, recognizing the danger, have demanded change, pushing the industry to adapt.

The Role of PFOA in Gear

• ⏳ The period between 1990 and 2010 is identified as when PFOA was used in staggering amounts, particularly in the outer shell's durable water repellent treatments, often marketed under names like "super shell."
• 🚒 The issue extends beyond turnout gear to include firefighting foam, which also contains these harmful substances.

Ongoing Fight for Justice

• ⚖️ Despite progress, Diane emphasizes the need to push for justice and a federal investigation into the matter.
• ❤️ Paul is proud of Diane's advocacy, and their son is now following in his father's footsteps as a firefighter.