According to Fire Chief David DeStefano, three sets of new turnout gear, free of so-called “forever chemicals,” have been ordered for Belmont firefighters, with two additional sets on order.
The purchase was possible because of a $18,670 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Fire Services. The grant was funded through the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program.
Known as “forever chemicals,” per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in water-resistant clothing, nonstick cookware and some cosmetics. Most people have been exposed to them at one point or another, though more often than not, in low concentrations.
They are widely used, long-lasting, manufactured chemicals, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They’re found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products, with some occupations at a higher risk for exposure than others.
PFAS are often found in firefighters’ turnout gear, including jackets, pants, gloves, helmets, and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
According to the EPA, research is ongoing to determine how different levels of exposure to different PFAS can cause myriad health effects. Scientific studies have already shown that exposure to some PFAS — there are several different kinds — in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, including different forms of cancer.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, studies show firefighters have higher levels of some types of PFAS in their blood compared to the general population
“The health and safety of firefighters is paramount in my mind,” DeStefano said. “We need to protect to the utmost extent, and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure our firefighters are protected with the safest and most protective gear available.”
However, legislation signed by Gov. Maura Healey in August 2024 aimed to change Massachusetts firefighters’ reliance on PFAS in their protective equipment.
Under that legislation, which became effective at the start of this year, 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 the equipment contains PFAS; giving the reason why the equipment contains PFAS chemicals; and listing the specific PFAS chemicals in the product.
Then, effective Jan. 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 or products that break down into PFAS chemicals that are added to the product during manufacturing.
“We will continue to monitor developments with the evolution of this apparel and purchase the best compliant gear possible for our firefighters,” said DeStefano.
