Firefighters push for ban on cancer-causing chemicals in gear
October 02, 2024 | Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness, House of Representatives, Legislative, Pennsylvania
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In a recent government meeting, lawmakers discussed a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the health risks posed by firefighting personnel protective equipment, specifically concerning the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). Representatives Bob Mirsky and his co-sponsor highlighted that occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters, with PFAs identified as a major class of carcinogenic chemicals to which they are exposed.
The proposed bill, known as HB 1441, seeks to prohibit the manufacturing and sale of firefighting gear containing intentionally added PFAs, effective January 1, 2028. This timeline allows manufacturers and firefighting entities to transition away from PFAs, which are commonly used to enhance the durability and resistance of turnout gear to oil, water, and high temperatures. However, studies indicate that these chemicals can degrade over time, leading to harmful dust that can be transferred to firefighters' skin.
While some manufacturers are already producing PFAs-free gear, the lawmakers acknowledged the challenges of an immediate industry-wide shift. The bill includes a provision allowing the state fire commissioner to issue guidance if the use of PFAs is deemed unavoidable in certain protective gear.
This legislative effort aligns with similar bans enacted in several states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. The representatives urged support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to save lives and protect the health of firefighters across the state.
The proposed bill, known as HB 1441, seeks to prohibit the manufacturing and sale of firefighting gear containing intentionally added PFAs, effective January 1, 2028. This timeline allows manufacturers and firefighting entities to transition away from PFAs, which are commonly used to enhance the durability and resistance of turnout gear to oil, water, and high temperatures. However, studies indicate that these chemicals can degrade over time, leading to harmful dust that can be transferred to firefighters' skin.
While some manufacturers are already producing PFAs-free gear, the lawmakers acknowledged the challenges of an immediate industry-wide shift. The bill includes a provision allowing the state fire commissioner to issue guidance if the use of PFAs is deemed unavoidable in certain protective gear.
This legislative effort aligns with similar bans enacted in several states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. The representatives urged support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to save lives and protect the health of firefighters across the state.
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