McHENRY COUNTY, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – Two McHenry County fire protection districts are suing chemical and equipment manufacturers to recover the cost of replacing firefighting gear containing PFAS, alleging the companies concealed health risks associated with the products.
The Harvard and Marengo fire protection districts filed the complaint Sept. 11 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Defendants include 3M, DuPont-related companies, W.L. Gore & Associates, Globe Manufacturing and Lakeland Industries.
The districts are seeking to represent a proposed class of Illinois entities that purchased turnout gear containing PFAS made or supplied by the defendants. The complaint asks the court to approve class-action status.
According to the lawsuit, the companies manufactured chemicals, fabrics or finished protective gear containing PFAS. The complaint alleges certain manufacturers knew for decades about health risks associated with the chemicals but concealed that information. It alleges others knew or should have known about those risks.
The districts contend that normal wear, washing and handling can release PFAS from the equipment and allow the chemicals to migrate to layers that contact firefighters’ skin. The complaint cites research linking certain PFAS to cancer and other health problems.
The lawsuit estimates turnout jackets and pants cost approximately $4,000 per set, excluding respirators, boots and other equipment. Many departments provide two sets per firefighter, according to the complaint, which identifies more than 39,000 firefighters across Illinois.
The districts argue they would not have purchased the gear, or would have paid less for it, had the risks been disclosed. They contend manufacturers should bear replacement costs rather than public agencies.
The complaint seeks damages and other financial relief under federal and state laws.
