Senate bill would accelerate development of PFAS-free firefighting gear

International Association of Fire Fighters | July 1, 2026

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"Bipartisan legislation to accelerate the development of PFAS-free firefighting gear has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.

The PFAS Alternatives Act (S.4844) was recently introduced by Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Curtis (R-UT), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Deb Fischer (R-NE). The IAFF-endorsed legislation would fund the research and development of new turnout gear that is PFAS-free, accommodates a wider range of body types, and includes a visual indicator showing when gear needs to be cleaned.

“The science is clear. Toxic PFAS chemicals are contributing to alarming rates of cancer in the fire service, and we must do everything we can to reduce fire fighters’ exposure to these carcinogens – including in the gear we wear that is supposed to keep us safe,” said General President Edward Kelly."