Governor Healey signs bill to help protect firefighters from equipment containing PFAS

By Olivia Ray | WWLP | August 16, 2024

Read the full article by Olivia Ray (WWLP)

"A new law looks to change how forever chemicals are used in firefighting gear. At a signing ceremony on Beacon Hill on Thursday Governor Maura Healey signed a bill into law meant to protect firefighters from harmful PFAS in their equipment which have been linked to higher rates of cancer.

This crucial law requires firefighting equipment manufacturers to provide written notice to local, state government, and other buyers if their equipment contains forever chemicals. Currently only gear containing PFAS is considered up to code because of the chemical’s thermal stability and water resistant properties. But, national and state firefighter organizations warn that their gear has caused high rates of cancer diagnosis and death among their colleagues" 

This content provided by the PFAS Project.

Topics:

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