A bipartisan group of lawmakers are reintroducing legislation to remove toxic PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from fire fighter protective gear.
Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Sam Graves (R-MO) introduced the PFAS Alternatives Act last week. The bill, which has been endorsed by the IAFF, aims to fund the research and development of new, PFAS-free turnout gear for fire fighters across the United States.
“The science is clear. Exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals is driving alarming rates of cancer in the fire service,” said General President Edward Kelly. “The PFAS Alternatives Act is critical legislation that will help introduce next-generation, PFAS-free gear to better protect fire fighters and ensure we have a voice in developing the very products we rely on for safety. The IAFF is grateful to Rep. Dingell and Rep. Graves for championing this legislation.”
In a statement, Dingell and Graves both stressed the importance of prioritizing fire fighter safety.
“Fire fighters’ jobs are already dangerous enough without worrying about the long-term health risks of being exposed to dangerous PFAS in their turnout gear,” said Dingell. “The PFAS Alternatives Act will remove this unnecessary occupational hazard and help protect fire fighters as they work every day to protect us.”
“America’s fire fighters charge into danger to save the lives of others. This bipartisan legislation will help develop the next-generation of firefighting gear to keep them safe—while they work to protect our families, our communities, and our country,” added Graves
Graves and Dingell were joined by Reps. Glenn Ivy (D-MD), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) as they introduced the bill.
Combating the growing rates of cancer in the fire service is a top priority for the IAFF. Fire fighters are exposed to harsh toxins and carcinogens due to the nature of their jobs and are more than 14% more likely to die from certain cancers than the general public. But data shows the very gear that is supposed to protect them on the job has been one of the biggest contributors to this growing epidemic.
PFAS was initially added to fire fighter turnout gear because of its strong heat resistance. However, the consequences of using these “forever chemical” are serious. Studies suggest a strong association between PFAS and negative health outcomes, such as cancer, kidney disease, and reproductive damage.
While some states and municipalities, such as Massachusetts and San Francisco, have moved to eliminate PFAS from turnout gear, federally-backed research and development would help to encourage other states, cities, and towns to follow suit, ensuring they have a safe alternative to provide their fire fighters.
The PFAS Alternatives Act would improve fire fighter safety by authorizing $25 million in grant funding for the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) to drive the research and development. Through a partnership between scientists and fire fighters, the legislation aims to produce protective gear that is PFAS-free, includes visual alerting to indicate when gear would need to be cleaned, adapts to differing body types among both men and women in the fire service, and increases overall safety for fire fighters while on the job.
To urge your members of Congress to support the PFAS Alternatives Act, click here.
