Independent testing of Quincy, Massachusetts’ newly purchased turnout gear revealed high levels of PFAS, despite manufacturer claims that the equipment was free of the toxic chemicals.
“It’s truly outrageous to me, and deeply troubling, that we stand here today talking about how the new gear that we bought – sold to us on the premise that it had no PFAS in it, PFAS-free, that’s how it was advertised – was recently independently tested and came back highly positive with PFAS components in the gear,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch.
The results underscore IAFF warnings that fire fighters cannot rely on industry assurances.
“We cannot trust the manufacturers,” General President Edward Kelly said. “We have to do independent testing on our own and ensure that what we’re being told is true – that dangerous chemicals are not infused in our gear.”
Over the last few years, a growing body of scientific evidence has detailed the dangers of PFAS. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified certain PFAS chemicals as carcinogenic and affirmed their risk to humans.
Quincy began purchasing new gear two years ago. At Quincy, MA Local 792’s request, the city recently sent a set of its newly purchased gear for independent analysis to confirm the manufacturer’s PFAS-free claims.
We cannot trust the manufacturers. We have to do independent testing on our own and ensure that what we’re being told is true – that dangerous chemicals are not infused in our gear.
general president edward kelly
“The last few months dealing with this issue have been frustrating, angry, and, truthfully, sad, seeing what these companies continue to pull,” said Local 792 President Tom Bowes. “These companies are paid to protect us, and they have failed miserably. We do this job because we love helping people. All we ask is to be protected.”
Bowes said support from the IAFF, 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert, and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts – along with leadership from city officials – has helped Local 792 navigate the situation.
The IAFF has pressed for years to eliminate PFAS from fire fighters’ gear. That advocacy delivered results in October 2024, when the NFPA issued Standard 1970 – the first to restrict PFAS and other hazardous substances in turnout gear. The new standard:
- Creates a Restricted Substances List prohibiting chemicals like PFAS and flame retardants including DBDPE. The provision takes effect on Sept. 18, 2025, and manufacturers may continue selling existing gear until March 18, 2026, leaving a critical gap where fire fighters could unknowingly purchase gear containing PFAS or other hazardous substances, such as halogenated flame retardants.
- Modifies the UV Light Degradation test to better reflect real-world conditions, which could expand the development and use of next-generation gear.
- Establishes voluntary labeling so departments can identify gear tested and shown to contain 100 ppm or less total fluorine.
While the changes mark important progress, Quincy’s findings are a reminder of the need to stay vigilant – and the importance of independent testing.
“This is not a Quincy-centric issue. This is something that impacts fire fighters across North America,” said Kelly. “We cannot trust corporations to tell us the truth. They have failed us too many times.”
