Massachusetts to Phase out Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Firefighting Gear

Firefighters put out a fire in a burning car in Newton, Massachusetts on Aug. 14, 2020. Suzanne Kreiter / The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey has signed a new law to phase out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the protective gear firefighters wear.

PFAS “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment and have been associated with serious health problems, including liver and thyroid issues, immune system disruption, cancer and reproductive harm. They are used in nonstick cookware, rain gear and firefighting foam, among other applications.

“It’s one thing to run into a fire, you can see the blaze and feel the heat,” said Healey just before signing the bill, as The Associated Press reported. “These [are] dangerous, dangerous chemicals. They’re in too much of our stuff, but certainly we know they’ve been in protective gear. The devastating impacts are so clear. Today Massachusetts is putting the health and safety of our firefighters first.”

Beginning in January of 2025, sellers and manufacturers of personal protective equipment that contain PFAS will have to give the purchaser written notice that it contains the chemicals, along with a reason why they are being used in the product.

In 2027, sellers and manufacturers of firefighters’ personal protective equipment will no longer be allowed to knowingly sell gear that contains “intentionally-added PFAS.”

For years, PFAS have been used in firefighting equipment because of their ability to repel water and oil and withstand high temperatures, a press release from the Massachusetts governor and lieutenant governor said.

“Firefighters in Massachusetts put their lives on the line every day on behalf of our communities, and yet it is the exposure to the forever chemicals known as PFAS in their turnout gear that pose one of the greatest risks to their health,” said Senator Julian Cyr, Joint Committee on Public Health co-chair, in the press release.

PFAS are highly toxic, even at low levels, before they are even exposed to fire. Firefighters and former firefighters have experienced high rates of cancers associated with PFAS, including kidney, breast and testicular cancer.

“Cancer is the leading cause of death in the fire service,” said Terrence Reidy, secretary of public safety and security, in the press release. “This legislation marks a vital first step in phasing out harmful PFAS chemicals in firefighter gear that can contribute to that risk.”

While attorney general, Healey sued PFAS manufacturers for ignoring the risks to the environment, drinking water and public health posed by the toxic chemicals.

“For too long, Massachusetts firefighters have been unnecessarily exposed to high levels of PFAS in their personal protective equipment and they have paid the price, with high levels of occupational cancer, reproductive problems and other illnesses. With this new law, Massachusetts leaders are joining our neighbors in Connecticut as the first two states to restrict toxic PFAS in firefighter personal protective equipment. This is legislation which will save firefighter lives and encourage other states to take similar action,” said Laura Spark, Clean Water Action’s environmental health program director, in the press release.

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