Protecting firefighters from PFAS

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Friday was the one-year anniversary of the death of a South Bend Firefighter, Mike Brown, who died from esophageal cancer. It was later ruled a line of duty death because it was caused by his exposure to toxins on the job.

PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances, are toxins called "forever chemicals".

PFAS are not naturally occurring, they do not break down in nature, and are considered carcinogens.

Firefighters are among the most exposed to PFAS.

It’s all too common. Too many brave men and women are having their lives cut short by cancer.

ABC57's Annie Kate spoke with firefighters from the South Bend Fire Department and Elkhart Fire Department to find out what measures have been put in place to better protect firefighters.