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Supervisors seek phased replacement of PFAS-containing turnout gear after firefighter cancer concerns; city to accept FEMA grant
Summary
Board members introduced legislation to phase out PFAS-containing firefighter turnouts and to finance replacement gear after officials and union leaders highlighted elevated cancer rates among San Francisco firefighters. The Fire Department has secured a FEMA grant to defray part of the cost, supervisors said.
Supervisor Aaron Peskin outlined legislation at the March 28 meeting directing a phase-out of firefighting turnout gear containing PFAS chemicals and requiring replacement with PFAS-free alternatives no later than June 30, 2026. Peskin said the change aims to reduce cancer risk among San Francisco firefighters, citing data that occupational cancer is the leading cause of death in the profession.
"Occupational cancer is now the leading cause of death amongst firefighters," Peskin said during the meeting, describing studies showing PFAS compounds in the inner layers…
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