Massachusetts is taking a groundbreaking step to protect its firefighters by phasing out the use of harmful PFAS chemicals in firefighting gear.
These chemicals, which are used in gear to repel water and other substances when fighting a fire, have been linked to severe health risks, including cancer, immune system disruption, and liver and thyroid problems.
While some regions, including the city of San Francisco, have taken steps to ban PFAS in firefighting gear, Massachusetts is the first state to officially sign a ban into place.
A New Law for Safer Gear
In a landmark move, Governor Maura Healey has signed a law aimed at eliminating PFAS from firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE). This legislation is not just about regulation; it’s about ensuring the health and safety of those who put their lives on the line every day.
Starting in January 2025, sellers and manufacturers of firefighting gear containing PFAS will need to inform buyers about the presence of these chemicals and why they’re used. By 2027, the sale of gear with intentionally added PFAS will be completely prohibited. This gives the industry time to transition to safer alternatives without compromising on the protection firefighters need.
Protecting Those Who Protect Us
This move is crucial for the health of firefighters who already face numerous hazards in their line of work. According to research by the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general U.S. population.
While PFAS exposure is not the only reason for this, reducing PFAS exposure through firefighting gear and foams is one way to reduce firefighters’ daily exposures to carcinogens.
PFAS-free alternatives have already been developed and have been rolled out in other contexts, such as outdoor gear. Over time, we can expect to see the development of even more innovative, PFAS-free firefighting gear that could become the new standard nationwide.
A Broader Movement
Massachusetts’ initiative is part of a larger effort to reduce the presence of PFAS in our environment. Across the country and around the world, there’s a growing push to eliminate these “forever chemicals” from everyday products. The focus is not just on firefighting gear and firefighting foam, but also on consumer items like non-stick cookware and rain gear.
This law is more than just a state regulation; it’s a call to action. As Massachusetts sets the example, other states may soon follow, leading to broader adoption of PFAS-free products across various industries.
Firefighting Foam and Water Pollution
It’s not just firefighting gear that contains PFAS, but firefighting foams as well, especially aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Using PFAS in AFFF allows the foam to spread across the fire, cutting off oxygen and preventing it from reigniting.
This has been shown to be one of the major sources of PFAS contamination in drinking water. PFAS-laden foams get washed into the sewer systems, and then municipal water treatment facilities do not have the infrastructure to filter it out.
In response, some states and countries are taking action. For example, California and Washington have started phasing out PFAS-containing foams, and a few countries like Denmark have implemented similar bans.
What You Can Do
- Contact your representatives: Call, write, or attend town hall meetings to tell your representatives that phasing out PFAS from firefighting gear and foam is important for protecting local firefighters and the environment.
- Support the International Association of Fire Fighters: If you or someone you know is a firefighter, make sure they are aware of the PFAS-related resources available to them through the IAFF.