New York City Council Proposes Ban on PFAS in Firefighter Gear

Proposed Legislation in New York City

The New York City Council proposed a bill to ban the use of PFAS chemicals in protective gear worn by the city's 11,000 firefighters. The proposal would apply to turnout gear used by the New York Fire Department. The bill was introduced by Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola.

The legislation also requires testing water supplies in city firehouses. It establishes a voluntary program for firefighters to test their blood for PFAS exposure. The bill includes a deadline of 2028 for the department to transition to PFAS-free gear.

Reasons Cited in Proposal

Turnout gear used by firefighters is heavily treated with PFAS to resist water and heat. Occupational cancer is the leading cause of firefighter deaths nationwide. The International Association of Firefighters reported that cancer from turnout gear accounted for 66% of firefighter deaths from 2002 to 2019.

PFAS chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and can become airborne from textiles. Researchers from the University of Notre Dame tested 30 samples of turnout gear in 2020 and found high levels of fluorine, a PFAS marker. The study found high concentrations on the moisture barrier and outer shell of the gear.

Support and Opposition

The Uniformed Firefighters Association supports the proposed ban. Several New York City firefighters are part of an ongoing class-action suit against chemical companies and turnout gear producers. The suit alleges that industry knowingly put firefighters at risk.

The American Chemistry Council has opposed state efforts to move to PFAS-free gear. The organization stated that bans may affect the performance of personal protective equipment. The National Fire Protection Association updated its standards in September to allow PFAS-free turnout gear.

Context Within the United States

Massachusetts and Connecticut became the first states to ban PFAS in turnout gear in the previous year. Illinois enacted a similar ban this year. The New York City Fire Department administration has expressed some support for switching to PFAS-free gear but has not taken action.