Keene and Londonderry have filed a proposed class-action suit accusing 3M, DuPont and other manufacturers of selling firefighter turnout gear containing PFAS without adequate warnings. The complaint says PFAS were used for decades in moisture barriers, fabrics and water-repellent treatments and links the chemicals to higher cancer rates among firefighters. Plaintiffs allege PFAS can off-gas or degrade under heat, increasing exposure, and they seek damages on behalf of municipalities that purchased the gear. Similar bans and legal actions targeting PFAS in firefighting equipment are emerging across the U.S.
New Hampshire Towns Sue 3M, DuPont, Claim PFAS in Firefighter Gear Raised Cancer Risk
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Two New Hampshire municipalities — the City of Keene and the Town of Londonderry — have filed a proposed class-action lawsuit in federal court accusing major manufacturers, including 3M and DuPont, of selling firefighter turnout gear that contained PFAS without adequately warning purchasers about the health risks.
Lawsuit Allegations
The complaint asserts that PFAS, the persistent man-made 'forever chemicals,' were incorporated for decades into moisture barriers, protective fabrics, and water-repellent treatments used in turnout gear. Keene and Londonderry say manufacturers continued to supply these products despite knowledge of PFAS persistence and potential harms, and failed to inform fire departments about the risks.
Exposure and Health Concerns
The municipalities allege that firefighters are particularly vulnerable because, as stated in the complaint, 'when exposed to high heat, PFAS can off-gas and/or degrade into highly mobile and toxic particles, increasing the risk of PFAS exposure via dermal absorption, ingestion, and inhalation.' The filing links the presence of PFAS in turnout gear to elevated cancer rates reported among firefighters who routinely wear such equipment.
Defendants and Relief Sought
Named defendants include 3M, DuPont and other chemical and firefighting-equipment companies. Keene and Londonderry are seeking damages and other relief on behalf of municipalities that purchased the allegedly contaminated gear.
Broader Context
Concerns about PFAS in firefighter equipment have prompted legislative and regulatory responses nationwide. Several states have moved to ban PFAS in turnout gear, the EPA has documented long-standing PFAS risks associated with firefighting chemicals, and states such as New Jersey have banned PFAS-containing firefighting foam.
Reported by: Boston 25 News — The complaint highlights a growing national effort to address PFAS contamination and its health implications for first responders.
What’s Next
The case is currently a proposed class action in federal court. If allowed to proceed, it could expand to represent municipalities and fire departments nationwide that purchased PFAS-containing turnout gear. Legal proceedings may take months or years as discovery and expert analysis move forward.
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