Official federal government publications or announcements

Massachusetts and Connecticut Ban PFAS in Firefighter Gear

Aug 24, 2024, 01:21 AM

Massachusetts and Connecticut have become the first states in the United States to ban the use of PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals', in the protective gear worn by firefighters. This move comes amid growing recognition by federal and state regulators of the potential contamination risks posed by PFAS. These chemicals, which can be found in water and soil, may render some land unsafe for agricultural use. PFAS are used in firefighter gear due to their unreactive nature, which provides effective protection. However, concerns about their environmental and health impacts have prompted these legislative actions.