Firefighter Lawsuits Over Turnout Gear Cancer Risks Consolidated in Minnesota

Federal judges have ordered the consolidation of multiple lawsuits filed by firefighters and municipalities challenging manufacturers and sellers of protective turnout gear containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The consolidation order, issued by the JPML, centralizes the claims in Minnesota before a single judge for pretrial proceedings.

PFAS chemicals have been widely used in firefighter turnout gear for decades because of their resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, these substances do not break down naturally and accumulate in the environment and human body over time. Firefighters face repeated exposure through wearing the gear during emergency responses, training, and routine duties.

The plaintiffs allege that chemical manufacturers and companies involved in producing and selling the turnout gear knew or should have known about potential health risks from PFAS exposure but failed to provide adequate warnings to firefighters and other users. The consolidated lawsuits include both proposed class actions brought by municipalities and other purchasers of the equipment as well as individual firefighter claims. This consolidation follows a prior recommendation by the federal judge overseeing related firefighting foam litigation that the turnout gear claims be transferred to his court.

This is a curated brief from the PlaintiffWire news desk. Read the original report at AboutLawsuits.