Illinois to ban PFAS in firefighter gear from 2027
Iain Hoey
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New law in Illinois restricts firefighter gear
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has reported that Illinois will ban firefighter gear with intentionally added PFAS from 2027.
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed H.B. 2409, known as the Deputy Chief Pete Bendinelli PFAS PPE Act, on 15 August.
The law prohibits the sale of turnout gear and PPE with intentionally added PFAS to fire departments beginning 1 January 2027.
It also requires manufacturers to provide written notification if firefighter clothing contains PFAS, with the requirement taking effect from 2026.
According to the IAFF, Illinois becomes the third state in the United States to take this action, following Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Bill named in honour of firefighter Pete Bendinelli
The IAFF explained that the law is named after Pete Bendinelli, a Calumet City Firefighters Local 621 member who died from cancer earlier in 2024.
Bendinelli’s death is linked symbolically with growing awareness of health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
The IAFF reported that the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) supported the measure and that it was sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Mike Kelly.
Both sponsors guided the bill through the state legislature where it passed the House and Senate without opposition.
AFFI and union response to the legislation
According to the IAFF, AFFI President Chuck Sullivan welcomed the measure.
Sullivan said: “The AFFI wants to thank Governor Pritzker for his signature and commends Representative Kelly and Senator Villivalam for their strong leadership and commitment.
“They championed this issue as lead sponsors in their respective chambers.”
Cancer concerns linked to firefighter gear
The IAFF has stated that reducing harmful exposure from protective gear forms part of its wider campaign against occupational cancer.
Studies cited by the union indicate an association between PFAS and negative health outcomes including cancer, kidney disease and reproductive harm.
Kelly, who has served nearly 20 years as a Chicago Local 2 member, added: “Little did we know that the actual gear designed to protect us is actually killing us.”
National union perspective on firefighter safety
General President Edward Kelly emphasised the national impact of the new law.
Kelly said: “Occupational cancer is the greatest threat facing IAFF members today.
“I applaud the work of our AFFI brothers and sisters for prioritizing the health and safety of current and future members, and for building such broad, bipartisan support for this important bill.”
The IAFF reported that more states and municipalities may introduce comparable restrictions as awareness of PFAS health risks continues to grow.
Legislative framework and implementation timeline
According to the text of H.B. 2409, written notification will be required for any firefighting clothing containing PFAS from 2026.
This notification must specify the presence of PFAS and explain why the chemicals are included.
The notice must also be retained by both the seller and purchaser for three years.
From 2027, sales of firefighter protective clothing with intentionally added PFAS will be prohibited in Illinois.
From 2030, the restriction will extend to auxiliary firefighting personal protective equipment such as helmets, breathing apparatus and fall protection gear.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For fire and safety professionals, the Illinois law highlights a growing shift in regulatory approaches to firefighter health.
It demonstrates how state-level legislation is being used to manage chemical risks in protective clothing and equipment.
It also indicates that fire departments and manufacturers will need to prepare for disclosure and compliance obligations beginning in 2026.
The move may influence procurement, product design and national discussions on firefighter safety standards.
Illinois bans PFAS in firefighter gear under new law: Summary
Illinois has passed a law banning the sale of firefighter gear with intentionally added PFAS from 2027.
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed H.B. 2409 into law on 15 August 2025.
The law is named after Calumet City firefighter Pete Bendinelli, who died of cancer earlier in the year.
Manufacturers will be required to provide written notice for gear containing PFAS from 2026.
The requirement includes details on the presence and purpose of PFAS in clothing.
Both seller and purchaser must keep the notification on file for three years.
The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois supported the bill and secured unanimous approval in the state legislature.
AFFI President Chuck Sullivan expressed gratitude to lawmakers and the governor for their support.
Chicago firefighter and State Representative Mike Kelly described PFAS gear as harmful to fire service members.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly said occupational cancer is the greatest threat to its members.
The law makes Illinois the third US state to ban PFAS in firefighter gear.
Massachusetts and Connecticut previously introduced similar bans.
The IAFF stated that more states and municipalities may follow.
From 2030, Illinois will also prohibit PFAS in auxiliary firefighting equipment.
The law requires compliance by manufacturers, distributors and sellers.