Two fire departments in North America have recently announced the move to PFAS-free turnout gear.
On March 8, Vancouver (BC) Fire Chief Karen Fry said the department would begin transitioning to firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) that was devoid of the polyfluoroalkyl substances, which researchers have linked to cancer in firefighters. Chief Fry claimed the department was the first in North America to make the change, which was lauded by Vancouver Fire Fighters IAFF Local #18 on social media.
On Monday, March 12, 2024, city council members voted to provide funding to obtain 92 sets of PFAS-free PPE for the Concord (NH) Fire Department.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has been vocal about the threat posed by the toxic “forever chemicals” in fire gear. A safety advisory released by the union suggests a number of precautions firefighters can take:
- Turnout gear should not be taken into firehouse living areas.
- When transporting gear in personal vehicles, it should be in a sealed container or bag, and preferably not transported in the passenger compartment.
- Fire apparatus cabs should be cleaned regularly and after every fire.
- Firefighters should wash their hands after handling turnout gear.
- Legacy turnout gear should be replaced as new PFAS-free technologies become available.
- Do not wear turnout gear on responses where this level of protection is not necessary. (Wearing all PPE and self-contained breathing apparatus during firefighting, overhaul, and while working in smoke is still the best first line of defense when it comes to limiting exposures to fireground contaminants. Following any exposure to the products of combustion, all PPE should be cleaned in accordance with NFPA 1851 to reduce cross-contamination and further exposure.)
