The Sun City Fire District Board went on record during its Tuesday meeting saying it is aware a group of synthetic chemicals are potentially cancer causing and could be an issue for firefighters.

Board member Phil Griswold raised the question and the board discussed how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — knowns as PFAS — are impacting firefighters and the profession.

According to the International Association of Firefighters, the substances “are a category of manufactured chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases, according to the associations's website.  "PFAS is used in fire fighter turnout gear and poses an unnecessary occupational threat."

In August 2022, the association and the Metro Chiefs began to alert their members about potential adverse health risks posed by PFAS in turnout gear and look at ways they can be removed from the next generation of gear.

The challenge, according to Acting Fire Chief Rob Schmitz, is the varied opinions on the subject when it comes to gear.

“There are different opinions on this (PFAS) and still a lot of unknowns,” he said.

“I do know there is no turnout gear that does not have PFAS in it...Right now there are no alternatives to this material used to make gear that is fire and water resistant,” he said in an interview following the meeting.

At the meeting, Schmitz said the manufacturer, Lions, issued a letter to the customer on it and referred them to read. Lions is a Dayton, Ohio-based company that manufactures firefighter turnout gear.

Schmitz also told the board the IAFF hired three law firms to look at the issue.

“General President Edward Kelly announced at the Affiliate Leadership Training Summit that the IAFF has retained three nationally recognized law firms to change regulatory standards, demand PFAS-free gear, and be available to be retained by members and families seeking compensation for PFAS-related illness,” according to the association’s website.

The board did not take action on the item.