Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey took a significant step in addressing the health risks posed to firefighters by toxic chemicals, signing into law a bill that will phase out the use of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in protective firefighting gear. PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body, have been linked to severe health conditions, including breast, kidney, and testicular cancer.
PFAS have been incorporated into firefighting gear for years because of their water-repellent properties, which are crucial for protection in high-risk situations. However, the chemicals’ toxic effects have raised growing concern. In signing the bill, Healey acknowledged the hidden danger posed by PFAS, stating, “It’s one thing to run into a fire; you can see the blaze and feel the heat. But it’s another thing to face the threat of ‘forever chemicals,’ a silent killer that has been threatening the health of firefighters and others for years.”
Beginning in January 2025, manufacturers and sellers of firefighting gear in Massachusetts will be required to notify purchasers if their products contain PFAS and to provide a reason for their inclusion. By 2027, the law will prohibit the sale of any firefighting equipment containing intentionally added PFAS.
The presence of PFAS in firefighting gear is not a new issue. Historically, these chemicals have been employed in multilayered protective clothing to repel water and prevent moisture from weakening the gear during use. PFAS were first introduced into firefighting gear in the mid-20th century during increased reliance on synthetic materials in protective equipment. At the time, PFAS seemed like a breakthrough solution, offering superior resistance to heat, water, and chemicals. However, it wasn’t until decades later that researchers uncovered the severe health risks posed by these seemingly beneficial compounds.
The firefighting community has since become one of the most vocal advocates for PFAS regulation. Richard MacKinnon, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, hailed the new law, stating, “This is the strongest language in our nation. This next generation of firefighters—their lives will be saved.”
Research has shown that firefighters face a significantly higher risk of developing certain cancers than the general population, a problem that the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has long recognized. The IAFF has noted that cancer has now surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters.
This new legislation in Massachusetts follows similar efforts in other states to eliminate PFAS from firefighter gear and consumer products. Connecticut, for example, has also banned the sale of firefighting gear containing PFAS and has enacted restrictions on the chemicals in children’s products, textiles, cookware, and other goods. Vermont and Colorado have implemented bans on PFAS in a range of products, including personal care items, artificial turf, and apparel.
In June 2023, a class action lawsuit was filed in Connecticut for thousands of firefighters exposed to PFAS through their protective equipment. The lawsuit targets the chemicals and gear manufacturers, accusing them of knowingly exposing firefighters to harmful substances.
Environmental activists see Massachusetts’ new law as an essential first step but are pushing for broader actions to reduce PFAS exposure across various industries. Clint Richmond, conservation chair of the Massachusetts Sierra Club, emphasized the need for continued vigilance, stating, “We have more to do to protect workers and the public from direct contact with PFAS. Next, we need to address everyday products like clothing and furniture. We all deserve toxic-free homes and cancer-free lives.”
