Fall River firefighter wins years-long fight against PFAS in gear. What does he do now?

By Dan Medeiros | The Herald News | October 9, 2024

Read the full article by Dan Medeiros (The Herald News)

"After six years, Jason Burns feels he’s earned a quick breather. Then it’s back to the job of trying to save lives. 

The Fall River firefighter has a longstanding side job as an activist, speaking out about the dangers of using firefighting turnout gear made with PFAS — carcinogenic “forever chemicals” used to strengthen and waterproof the material. Burns and other activists believe PFAS can shed off their gear and be absorbed through their skin, causing high rates of cancer. 

In August, Massachusetts became the second state in the nation to ban the use of PFAS in turnout gear, a victory that Burns and other activists had sought for years."

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• ProductsFirefighting foam
• SourcesFire departments
• Affected community
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses