NYC bill would phase out PFAS from FDNY gear, test firehouse water by 2028

By Bill Carey | Fire Rescue 1 | November 19, 2025

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"New York City lawmakers are weighing new protections for FDNY firefighters that would phase out cancer-linked chemicals from their gear.

A four-bill package introduced on Nov. 17 by Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola would require the FDNY to stop using turnout gear and other protective equipment containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by 2028, the New York Post reported. The bill also would require the department to identify safer alternatives.

“This is about protecting our protectors,” said Ariola, who chairs the Fire and Emergency Management Committee. “Our firefighters risk their lives for us every day. The least we can do is make sure that the gear meant to keep them safe isn’t slowly poisoning them.”