Firefighters Call For Regulations On Harmful Chemicals
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Flames aren't the only threat to Minnesota firefighters.
The group 'Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters' joined lawmakers and health advocates at the Capitol Wednesday afternoon to talk about the dangers of toxic chemicals.
The group wants stronger regulation of chemicals like flame retardants, which can cause cancer.
Chris Parsons of MPFF says firefighters are at particular risk because they're exposed to burning chemicals and gasses.
"These chemicals … were designed and sold to us as ways to save lives and ways to make people safer," Parsons said. "But what they're doing is they're getting into the air, especially after fires, after the smoke has cleared they're still lingering."
Parsons' group is calling for safer chemicals to be used in household products and building materials.