New CA Law Aimed at Eliminating PFAS from Firefighter Turnout Gear

By Jia H. Jung | Firehouse | June 23, 2025

Read the full article by Jia H. Jung (Firehouse)

"When firefighters in California head into the flames, they wear special gear to protect them from heat, moisture, smoke and falling materials. But the same equipment meant to keep them safe exposes them to cancer-causing chemicals embedded in their uniforms.

This week, California firefighters and lawmakers convened at Fire Station 34 in Pasadena to promote a bill to eliminate toxic elements in firefighters’ garments, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

In a time of extreme political divisions, California Assembly Bill 1181 received bipartisan support in the state Assembly and will be up for a vote in the state Senate in the coming weeks. If it becomes law, phase out of PFAS would begin by 2027."