Massachusetts and Connecticut are now the first states to ban the use of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in protective gear worn by firefighters.
By law, gear sold in Massachusetts and Connecticut must be free of forever chemicals by 2027 and 2028, respectively.
The International Association of Fire Fighters estimates that cancer for turnout gear accounted for 66% of firefighter deaths between 2002 and 2019.
The Massachusetts law also requires any turnout gear manufacturers selling products treated with forever chemicals to notify the buyer in writing.
“Presumably it can be done without jeopardizing their safety. If there are all other things equal, it would be a nice thing to do to get the exposures lower and over time, of course, their blood levels will be lower as well,” said Dr. David Savitz, a professor of epidemiology at Brown University.
Both bills were opposed by the turnout gear industry and the nation’s chemical makers.
The American Chemistry Council released a statement, saying that this bill may have unintended consequences for the performance of personal protective equipment that firefighters need.
Content from The National Desk is provided by Sinclair, the parent company of FOX45 News.
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