Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 of turnout garments and the risk of dermal absorption. He proposed a two-year phase-out and replacement plan that would supply approximately two sets of PFAS-free turnouts per suppression member.
Peskin estimated the total two-year replacement cost at roughly $10 million and said the Fire Department has applied for and will accept a FEMA grant of about $2.3 million to help cover expenses. He said the program would require procuring roughly 3,000 turnouts and that the department had begun the grant acceptance steps.
Supervisor Safaie and Supervisor Chan were listed as early cosponsors of the measure during remarks. Firefighters' union leaders and advocates addressed the board during public comment: Floyd Rollins, president of San Francisco Firefighters Local 798, thanked supervisors for the proposal and emphasized the personal toll of cancer in the fire service; he and other advocates pressed for a rapid schedule.
What the proposal would do: The proposed ordinance would direct the city to procure PFAS-free turnout gear for active fire-suppression personnel and establish a timeline and financing plan for replacing existing garments. The clerk's and supervisors' remarks noted an initial federal grant has been secured to offset part of the cost; further budget actions may be required to complete the replacement program.
Next steps: The legislation was introduced in the meeting and will move through committee and the standard budget/appropriation processes for acquisition. The Fire Department and the city's real estate/finance offices were cited as agencies to coordinate purchases, and Peskin asked that savings identified elsewhere in leasing or consolidation efforts be counted as potential offsets.
