IAFF affiliates can now show the documentary BURNED: Protecting the Protectors to the decision-makers in their communities. It’s an important tool in the fight to rid PFAS in bunker gear and reduce the number of exposures to this known carcinogen.
“It is critical that we continue to spread the word about the dangers associated with PFAS. We cannot continue to allow fire fighters to be poisoned by their gear,” said BURNED Director Elijah Yetter-Bowman. “Since we will not be showing this in theaters, we are making the film available to order. Order proceeds will help fund future efforts to protect fire fighters and others from being exposed to these forever chemicals.”
The 30-minute film, produced by actor Mark Ruffalo, profiles Diane Cotter who suspected forever chemicals could be present in turnout gear after her husband, retired Worcester, MA Local 1009 fire fighter Paul Cotter, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2014.
Visit the Ethereal Films website to order the film, the license to show it publicly, and accompanying educational materials. The cost of the order is on a sliding scale (free in some cases) to make it affordable for everyone.
Training and education events utilizing the film are currently being planned in Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Ohio. The documentary premiered at the 2023 Affiliate Leadership Training Summit in January and will be shown at the Canadian Legislative Conference on March 27.