In a significant move for firefighter safety, the New York City Council is considering a pioneering bill that would prohibit the use of toxic PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', in the protective gear worn by its 11,000-strong firefighting force. This legislation, if passed, would mandate a full transition to safer alternatives by 2028.
The Deadly Cost of Protection
The proposed ban targets the very equipment designed to keep firefighters safe. Turnout gear—comprising jackets, trousers, boots, and gloves—is heavily treated with PFAS to provide resistance to water, heat, and to allow the textiles to breathe. However, these per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of approximately 16,000 synthetic chemicals that do not break down naturally, earning them the 'forever chemical' moniker.
Occupational cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide. Prolonged exposure to PFAS, which can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as they break free from gear, is considered a major driver. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) estimates that cancer accounted for a staggering 66% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths between 2002 and 2019.
Bipartisan Push for Safer Alternatives
The bill, authored by Queens Republican and Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola, has garnered bipartisan support. "Those carcinogens are in their [gear] and they are wearing it over and over and over," Ariola stated. "We have to do something to protect our protectors." The legislation also requires testing of water supplies in city firehouses and establishes a voluntary programme for firefighters to have their blood tested for PFAS levels.
New York's fire department is the largest in the United States, making its potential shift a landmark moment. The move follows similar state-level bans enacted in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Illinois. Crucially, the National Fire Protection Association updated its safety standards in September 2024 to permit PFAS-free turnout gear, clearing a major technical hurdle.
Research and Resistance
A pivotal 2020 study by the University of Notre Dame tested 30 samples of new and used turnout gear, finding alarming levels of fluorine, a key indicator of PFAS. Researcher Graham Peaslee noted the chemicals were prevalent on the gear's moisture barrier and outer shell, posing dual risks of skin absorption and environmental contamination in fire stations.
The proposal has the backing of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. However, the American Chemistry Council, representing PFAS producers, has fiercely opposed such bans, arguing they may compromise the performance of gear needed to withstand extreme hazards like open flames and high temperatures.
The tide, however, appears to be turning. Several New York City firefighters are part of a national class-action lawsuit against chemical companies and gear manufacturers, alleging the industry knowingly endangered their lives. With a 2028 deadline now on the table, New York City is poised to set a powerful precedent for firefighter health across the country.
