PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items waterproof, fire-resistant, or non-stick. Even at low levels, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals can be devastating, increasing the risk of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects, colitis, and other diseases. Compounding these dangers is the persistent nature of PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breaking down in the environment.

Occupational cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters, caused by the dangerous conditions they face on the job and due to the exposure of these toxic forever chemicals from their equipment. Last session the Massachusetts legislature passed my bill, An Act relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment, which will ban manufacturers and sellers of personal protective equipment for firefighters will be prohibited from knowingly selling gear containing “intentionally-added PFAS” chemicals on January 1, 2027. This legislation would create a dedicated fund to support programs and grants related to researching, developing, and purchasing PFAS-free firefighter gear.