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Lawmakers hail first-in-state PFAS labeling for firefighting gear in SB 164
Summary
Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson described SB 164 as the state's first bill addressing PFAS exposure risks to firefighters; it would require labeling on gear containing PFAS and encourage PFAS-free alternatives.
Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson said the Legislature passed the first bill in the state addressing firefightershigh cancer rates related in part to PFAS in equipment.
"Cancer is the number 1, cause of line of duty deaths for firefighters," Larson said, and described two sources of risk: toxic fumes and smoke inhalation and PFAS chemicals in firefighting gear. She said Senate Bill 164 would require labeling on gear that contains PFAS and help raise awareness while PFAS-free gear gradually becomes available.
Why it matters: Firefighters face elevated cancer risks tied to multiple exposures. Labeling aims to inform departments and individual firefighters about PFAS content and accelerate transition to alternative gear as it becomes available on the market.
Clarifications Larson said PFAS-free gear is "becoming slowly available" and that SB 164 is a partial response intended to raise awareness and improve management of aging gear.
Ending Lawmakers described SB 164 as a first legislative step to protect firefighters and to prompt procurement and management changes over time.
