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Reducing Toxic Chemicals in Firefighter Gear
Status
Signed into Law
An Act relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment
This legislation will phase out the use of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, also known as "forever chemicals", in firefighters' protective gear.
Highlights
- Effective January 1, 2027, manufacturers and sellers of personal protective equipment for firefighters will be prohibited from knowingly selling gear containing "intentionally-added PFAS" chemicals, meaning PFAS chemicals that are intentionally added to the product during manufacturing.
- Effective January 1, 2025, manufacturers and sellers of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing PFAS chemicals will be required to provide written notice to the purchaser, at the time of sale, stating that the equipment contains PFAS chemicals; the reason the equipment contains PFAS chemicals, and the specific PFAS chemicals in the product.
"Firefighters in Massachusetts put their lives on the line every day on behalf of our communities, and yet it is the exposure to the forever chemicals known as PFAS in their turnout gear that pose one of the greatest risks to their health. This legislation marks a critical first step forward in our efforts to mitigate the contamination of and eliminate exposure to these harmful forever chemicals."
- Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro)
- Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro)
