Board approves purchase of additional firefighter turnout gear to limit PFAS exposure

The Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen approved a purchase request from the Fire Department to buy a third set of personal protective equipment for firefighters, at an amount not to exceed $41,998.

Chief Vargas explained that some turnout gear contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called "forever chemicals," which have been found in moisture and thermal barrier layers. "These are basically they're called forever chemicals. They're contained in a lot of different substances. They're found in textiles," Chief Vargas said, explaining manufacturers have only recently introduced PFAS-free materials that still meet thermal standards.

Because replacing all sets at once would be fiscally burdensome, staff proposed continuing the department's existing replacement cycle while purchasing a lower-cost set designed for about 85% of routine calls. The approach is intended to reduce routine wear on full thermal ensembles and limit firefighters' exposure to PFAS while keeping replacement costs manageable.

The board voted to approve the purchase request. The chief said the new sets are rated up to 10 years but the department will evaluate wear and may continue the current six-year replacement practice for the full thermal sets.

Staff will also adjust budget line items for next year to account for new-employee gear needs, as discussed in the meeting.