PFAS Alternatives Act reintroduced to support safer fire fighter gear
Iain Hoey
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Lawmakers move to fund development of PFAS-free turnout gear
A bipartisan group in the United States Congress has reintroduced the PFAS Alternatives Act, legislation aimed at eliminating toxic chemicals from fire fighter protective clothing.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the bill was brought forward by Representatives Debbie Dingell and Sam Graves, and seeks to authorise $25 million for research into protective gear that does not contain per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The IAFF said the bill would support the development of fire fighting gear that includes features such as visual alerts when cleaning is needed and adaptations to suit different body types.
IAFF highlights health concerns linked to PFAS exposure
The IAFF stated that exposure to PFAS in turnout gear is contributing to increased rates of cancer among fire fighters, citing that fire fighters are more than 14 percent more likely to die from certain cancers than the wider population.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “The science is clear. Exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals is driving alarming rates of cancer in the fire service.”
He added: “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.”
He continued: “The IAFF is grateful to Rep. Dingell and Rep. Graves for championing this legislation.”
Political backing for occupational safety reform
The IAFF reported that alongside Representatives Dingell and Graves, the bill has the support of lawmakers including Representatives Glenn Ivy, Brian Fitzpatrick, Dina Titus, Tom Kean Jr., Suzanne Bonamici, and Glenn “GT” Thompson.
Dingell said: “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.”
She added: “The PFAS Alternatives Act will remove this unnecessary occupational hazard and help protect fire fighters as they work every day to protect us.”
Graves added: “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.”
Federal support would extend beyond local efforts
The IAFF noted that while some U.S. states and cities have already moved to phase out PFAS in turnout gear, federal support is needed to scale research and ensure widespread availability of alternatives.
It explained that the PFAS Alternatives Act would provide funding through the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) to back collaboration between scientists and fire fighters on gear development.
According to the IAFF, the gear would be designed to be safer, more adaptable, and to include new safety indicators.
PFAS Alternatives Act reintroduced to support safer fire fighter gear: Summary
A bipartisan group in the U.S. House has reintroduced the PFAS Alternatives Act.
The legislation is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
The bill was introduced by Representatives Debbie Dingell and Sam Graves.
It proposes $25 million in funding through the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH).
The funding would support development of turnout gear free from PFAS chemicals.
The IAFF stated that PFAS exposure is contributing to increased cancer rates in the fire service.
Turnout gear has historically included PFAS due to its heat-resistant properties.
The IAFF said the new gear would include cleaning indicators and gender-based fit adjustments.
The bill has also received support from Representatives Ivy, Fitzpatrick, Titus, Kean Jr., Bonamici and Thompson.
Some cities and states have already taken action on PFAS but federal backing is seen as necessary for broader change.