US Fire Departments Sue Companies for Selling Toxic Gear

Dozens of fire departments and public agencies across the US are suing several large companies, including Fire-Dex, LLC, claiming they knowingly manufactured and sold firefighter turnout gear contaminated with toxic chemicals called PFAS.

The lawsuit was filed on September 12 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and names over 20 defendants, including major corporations like 3M, Honeywell, and Dupont.

According to the complaint, Fire-Dex designed, manufactured, marketed, and sold firefighter turnout gear that was contaminated with PFAS chemicals, which are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and reproductive and developmental harm.