New York City Considers Ban on PFAS “Forever chemicals” in firefighter Gear

A new bill proposed in the New York City Council would ban the use of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in protective gear worn by the city’s 11,000 firefighters.

The New York Fire Department is the nation’s largest firefighting force. Approving this legislation would be a notable victory for advocates pushing for safer “turnout gear” alternatives across the US. Massachusetts and Connecticut were the first states to ban PFAS in turnout gear last year, and Illinois followed suit this year.

Turnout gear – including jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and other protective equipment – is heavily treated with PFAS to make it resistant to water and heat, and to allow the textiles to breathe.

however, occupational cancer is the leading cause of firefighter deaths nationwide. Regular exposure to these highly toxic PFAS chemicals is believed to contribute to these deaths. The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) estimates that cancer from turnout gear accounted for 66% of firefighter deaths between 2002 and 2019.

The bill also requires testing of water supplies in city firehouses and establishes a voluntary programme allowing firefighters to test their blood for PFAS.

New York City Council Minority Leader Joann ariola, a Queens Republican and the bill’s author, highlighted that safer alternatives are readily available. The bill has bipartisan support.