Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) are floating companion bills to compensate firefighters diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses after being exposed to toxic chemicals, according to a copy of the legislation exclusively obtained by The Post.
The bill, which the lawmakers introduced Thursday on Capitol Hill, would set up a federal fund through the US Department of Health and Human Services to award up to $250,000 to firefighters diagnosed with cancer and $50,000 to those battling other illnesses due to PFAS.
PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a carcinogen that puts people at risk of kidney, prostate, breast, colon, ovary and other cancers and has been found in the clothing, foam and gear used by firefighters, as well as in the dust and smoke they navigate while battling blazes.
The fund, known as the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Program, would benefit firefighters who have served at least two years, or their family members if they are deceased, following exposure to the carcinogen or suffer from health conditions, as determined by the Health and Human Services secretary, including thyroid diseases and ulcerative colitis.
“This legislation ensures that we extend compensation to those enduring PFAS-related illnesses and facing lifelong medical costs after dedicating years of their lives to protecting our communities,” Booker said in a statement.
“It’s time we prioritize the welfare of these courageous individuals who selflessly risk their lives.”
Soto called the legislation “a major step in the right direction as we work to eliminate these chemicals from the ecosystem.”
“Years ago, we saw a cancer cluster affect many of our firefighters in Ocala, Florida, and we’re still seeing so many families suffer at the mercy of these dangerous ‘forever chemicals,'” he said in a statement.
Paul Spennato, a firefighter in Westport, Conn., pointed out cancer “is the number one killer of firefighters” and was aware the toxic PFAS in gear had been “making us sick.”
“This isn’t just a Connecticut problem; this is a national problem,” Spennato added. “The impact of this legislation will provide invaluable support for firefighters and their families for the years to come.”
Jesse Powell, a veteran firefighter who has served in Memphis for 20 years, said exposure to PFAS changed his life for the worse and the “fund would be a silver lining in a dark situation that has impacted myself and so many other dedicated firefighters that truly deserve this attention and assistance.”
The Environmental Litigation Group, which represents clients thousands of firefighters and others exposed through their occupations to toxic chemicals, endorsed the legislation and called on Congress to pass it and President Biden to sign it “as swiftly as possible.”
“This fund would be a major victory for firefighters across the US, providing them desperately needed and deserved financial support as they battle through life-changing illnesses,” ELG principal Gregory Cade said in a statement.
“These brave individuals have laid everything on the line to protect their communities, and it’s past time we protect them, too,” Cade added. “I thank Senator Booker and Representative Soto for their sponsorship and support.”