New York City bill aims to ban toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting gear

December 2, 2025

Read the full article by Tom Perkins (The Guardian)

"A new bill proposed in the New York city council would ban the use of toxic Pfas “forever chemicals” in protective gear worn by the city’s 11,000 firefighters.

The New York fire department is the nation’s largest firefighting force, and approval of the legislation would mark a major win for advocates who are pushing for safer “turnout gear” alternatives across the US. Massachusetts and Connecticut last year became the first states to ban the use of Pfas in turnout gear, and Illinois enacted a ban this year.

Turnout gear, including jackets, pants, boots, gloves and other protective equipment that firefighters wear, is treated heavily with Pfas, making it resistant to water and heat, and helping the textiles breathe."