Carcinogens in Quincy gear: why firefighters say trust is broken
Iain Hoey
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Image: IAFF [Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch discusses PFAS concerns at a press conference.]
Independent testing confirms presence of PFAS in new gear
Independent testing has confirmed the presence of carcinogens in turnout gear purchased by Quincy, Massachusetts.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the equipment was advertised as PFAS-free but analysis showed high levels of the chemicals.
Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch said: “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.”
The IAFF stated that the results confirm fire fighters cannot rely on industry assurances about safety claims.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “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.”
Context of PFAS risks and carcinogens
The IAFF reported that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified some PFAS as carcinogenic.
It added that growing scientific evidence points to long-term health risks from exposure.
Quincy’s Local 792 requested the independent analysis after concerns about the PFAS-free claims made by the manufacturer.
The city had begun purchasing new gear two years ago, and the decision to test was made to confirm that equipment met safety expectations.
The IAFF explained that the findings from Quincy illustrate how carcinogens remain present in turnout gear despite marketing assurances.
Local leadership response in Quincy
Quincy Local 792 President Tom Bowes said the findings highlight the failures of manufacturers to provide safe equipment.
Bowes said: “The last few months dealing with this issue have been frustrating, angry, and, truthfully, sad, seeing what these companies continue to pull.
“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 confirmed that support from the IAFF, 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and city officials has helped Local 792 address the problem.
The IAFF stated that the collaboration has been essential in navigating the outcome of the testing.
NFPA standards restricting carcinogens in gear
The IAFF reported that its advocacy has helped shape new standards on turnout gear.
In October 2024, NFPA issued Standard 1970, the first to restrict PFAS and other hazardous substances in turnout gear.
The organisation said the standard introduces a Restricted Substances List prohibiting chemicals such as PFAS and certain flame retardants.
This provision takes effect on 18 September 2025, and manufacturers may continue selling existing gear until 18 March 2026.
It said this gap leaves a period where fire fighters could still purchase equipment containing PFAS or other substances.
The IAFF added that NFPA 1970 also changes UV Light Degradation tests to reflect real-world conditions.
The association reported that the new framework may support the development of next-generation protective clothing.
It said the standard also establishes voluntary labelling to indicate gear tested and found to contain 100 ppm or less total fluorine.
Calls for continued vigilance
Kelly said the issue is wider than Quincy alone.
He said: “This is not a Quincy-centric issue. This is something that impacts fire fighters across North America.
“We cannot trust corporations to tell us the truth.
They have failed us too many times.”
The IAFF explained that while the NFPA changes are progress, the Quincy results highlight the ongoing need for independent testing.
It added that carcinogens in turnout gear remain a concern for departments across the continent.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The IAFF stated that the findings in Quincy show how carcinogens may still be present in gear marketed as safe.
The organisation said this emphasises the importance of independent testing of equipment.
It explained that fire departments should be aware of the timeline for NFPA 1970 implementation and the continued presence of PFAS in the market.
It added that professionals across the sector can use this information to inform procurement, policy, and training decisions.
Carcinogens found in Quincy firefighter gear: Summary
Independent testing confirmed the presence of carcinogens in new turnout gear purchased by Quincy, Massachusetts.
The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that the gear had been marketed as PFAS-free.
Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch criticised the findings.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly said fire fighters must conduct their own independent testing.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified some PFAS as carcinogenic.
Quincy’s Local 792 requested the analysis of newly purchased equipment.
Local 792 President Tom Bowes said manufacturers had failed to provide protection.
The IAFF reported that support came from Local 792, IAFF District leadership, and state representatives.
The IAFF stated that NFPA introduced Standard 1970 in October 2024.
The standard restricts PFAS and other hazardous substances in turnout gear.
The provisions take effect on 18 September 2025 with a sell-through period until 18 March 2026.
NFPA 1970 also includes updated UV Light Degradation testing.
The standard establishes voluntary labelling for gear tested with 100 ppm or less fluorine.
Kelly said carcinogen risks are a continent-wide issue.
The IAFF said the findings highlight the need for continued independent testing.