Read the full article by Kate Stuzin (KVAL)
“Eugene-Springfield Fire Chief Mike Caven is speaking out about the risks posed by chemicals in some firefighting gear after his own cancer diagnosis, using his experience to raise awareness and money for research.
Caven recently announced he has a rare blood cancer. He said he initially brushed off symptoms as job-related stress.
“Your fatigue, your headaches, your insomnia. Little did I know those were also signs of something worse,” Caven said.
Caven was diagnosed following a health screening in 2025. While firefighters face exposure to smoke, soot and toxic chemicals on the job, Caven is also drawing attention to PFAS — long-lasting chemicals used to repel water and other substances — that are contained in some firefighting gear. PFAS are also known to cause cancer.
“They really found that the chemicals that were impacting firefighters were coming from the water repellent. And then the materials that are used on the liner on the inside were impregnated with chemicals to help keep chemicals and things repelled and from soaking through while you’re in the fire,” Caven said.”…