Massachusetts governor signs law phasing out toxic PFAS in firefighters’ gear

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a bill that would phase out the use of PFAS, a group of toxic industrial compounds, in firefighters' protective gear. The chemicals—associated with health problems including several types of cancer, such as breast, kidney and testicular cancer—are used in gear to repel water and other substances when fighting a fire. Connecticut is the only other state with a similar law regarding firefighters' protective gear. "It's one thing to run into a fire, you can see the blaze and feel the heat," Healey said moments before signing the bill at the statehouse. But it's another thing, she said, to face the threat of "forever chemicals"—a silent killer that has been threatening the health of firefighters and others for years. Starting January 2025, under the new law, manufacturers and sellers of personal protective equipment containing PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, will be required to provide written notice to the purchaser at the time of sale that firefighting equipment contains PFAS chemicals. They're also mandated to provide a reason for why the equipment contains PFAS. Beginning in 2027, manufacturers and sellers of personal protective equipment for firefighters will be prohibited from knowingly selling gear containing "intentionally-added PFAS" chemicals—referring to PFAS chemicals or products that break down into PFAS chemicals that are added to the product during manufacturing. The multilayered coats and pants worn by firefighters have become the latest battleground over PFAS, which are found in everything from food packaging to clothing. In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency for the first time proposed limits on the chemicals in drinking water. Richard MacKinnon, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, said the new law will help curb occupational cancer. "This is the strongest language in our nation," he said of the new state law. "This next generation of firefighters—their lives will be saved." The International Association of Fire Fighters or IAFF has said that cancer has replaced heart disease as the biggest cause of line-of-duty deaths. Firefighters have been shown to be at higher risk than the general population of getting several types of cancer. This article was provided by The Associated Press.