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The Official Legal Team of the IAFF

Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. has proudly served as General Counsel to the Uniformed Firefighters Association for over 40 years. Over that period of time, we have represented firefighters injured both on and off duty.

At its 2023 Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS), the IAFF announced it had retained three nationally recognized law firms to join in its fight against the use of PFAS, synthetic “forever chemicals”, in firefighter protective turnout gear.  Exposure to PFAS chemicals, which are found in all three layers of turnout gear, has been linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. 

The three law firms selected by the IAFF, Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. (UFA General Counsel), Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC, and Motley Rice LLC have been retained to achieve three main objectives.

  •         To affect change in the regulatory standards that have enabled PFAS to be used in the manufacture of turnout gear
  •         To create a market with readily available PFAS-free gear
  •         To be available for firefighters and their families to seek compensation for PFAS-related injuries

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What Are PFAS Chemicals?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemicals used in consumer products worldwide for over 70 years. These chemicals are commonly used to make water-repellent clothing and other products such as firefighter protective gear that resist substances like grease, water and oil and firefighting foams frequently used to fight flammable liquid fires.

PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” have been linked to cancer, the number one killer of firefighters, and several other adverse health effects. Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. has long advocated for the well-being of firefighters in New York City and beyond and was selected by the IAFF to lead the fight in eradicating PFAS from bunker gear. 

Firefighter Law

What are the Health Effects of PFAS Contamination?

PFAS contamination can be experienced through long-term exposure to firefighter equipment such as PPE and firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that humans affected by PFAS exposure have shown adverse health effects including:
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Developmental and behavioral effects in infants and children
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Reduced chances of pregnancy

The PFAS Law Firms are Here to Help

The PFAS Law Firms was created by the three law firms selected by the IAFF to represent firefighters and union workers who are suffering from PFAS-related injuries, or the families of those who unfortunately passed away from PFAS-related injuries like cancer. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies have determined that PFAS chemicals are highly toxic and hazardous to the environment and people. 

If you or a loved one suffer from a PFAS-related injury, this team of nationally recognized law firms is there to help.
Visit PFAS Law Firms today for a free consultation. 

Disclaimers: The PFAS Law Firms maintain joint responsibility but operate independently. No legal affiliation, association, or partnership is implied. The IAFF logo is a registered trademark of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

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