WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the bipartisan Parkinson’s Protection for Firefighters Act to add Parkinson’s Disease to the list of recognized health conditions for federal firefighters.
The Parkinson’s Protection for Firefighters Act has received the support of the International Association of Fire Fighters and specifically: (1) Provides firefighters with quicker access to medical benefits and reduced red tape; (2) Ensures firefighters avoid lengthy battles over proof of causation and denied coverage – further delaying the treatments they need to fight Parkinson’s Disease; and (3) Eases the mental and financial burden on firefighters and their families by letting them focus on their health and not federal bureaucracy.
Representatives Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) and Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) are leading H.R. 4453, the House companion to the legislation.
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said, “Firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. I’m leading the Parkinson’s Protection for Firefighters Act alongside Senator Kim to ensure these heroes receive the medical coverage they have earned.”
Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said, “Firefighters put their health and lives on the line for our communities, and so many develop serious health issues from their service long after responding to their last call. This legislation makes sure federal support is extended to those battling Parkinson’s Disease. It ensures we stay by our firefighters’ side when they need it most, with the benefits and coverage they deserve.”
General President Edward Kelly, International Association of Fire Fighters, said, “Firefighters’ exposure to toxins on the job can significantly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, creating life-altering challenges for them and their families. The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act would help ensure those diagnosed with Parkinson’s have access to the care and resources they need. The IAFF is proud to support this bipartisan bill and thanks Sens. Jim Banks and Andy Kim for championing this important issue in the United States Senate.”
President Tony Murray, Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana, said, “In 2009, Indiana was one of the first states in the nation to adopt legislation affirming Parkinson’s Disease as a presumptive illness for firefighters. The link between the occupation of firefighter and Parkinson’s Disease is supported through science and medical research, as the repeated exposure to toxins during the performance of their duties shows firefighters are up to ten times more likely to develop the disease than a non-firefighter. Thanks to legislation being introduced by U.S. Senator Jim Banks (IN) and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (NJ), Parkinson’s would be included as a presumptive occupational illness for firefighters under federal workers’ compensation. Through this important legislation, firefighters diagnosed with this dreadful disease can be assured of better care and quality of life; moreover, it raises awareness and efforts to reduce the incidence of this disease for everyone.”
Full bill text can be found here.
Background:
Despite being directly linked to occupational exposures, some illnesses may take years to develop. Current federal law already provides presumptive coverage for firefighters suffering from some occupational illnesses, such as cancer. Like cancer, Parkinson’s Disease often is the result of cumulative exposures to toxins and hazards throughout a firefighter’s career. However, firefighters battling occupationally-linked Parkinson’s Disease are frequently denied coverage because they cannot identify the specific incident that caused their illness – a burden of proof that is medically impossible for anyone to meet.
Medical studies have shown that firefighters’ regular exposure to PFAS, carbon monoxide, chemical toxins in smoke, and head trauma makes them more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease than the public. While each exposure to a toxin is concerning for firefighters’ health, the cumulative exposure to these toxins further increases firefighters’ risk of developing this disease.
