The urgency for safer firefighting gear is growing as awareness of the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) increases. These "forever chemicals," known for their persistence in the environment, have been linked to significant health risks, particularly among firefighters. This article discusses the material concerns regarding PFAS in turnout gear. It calls attention to breakthrough PFAS-free alternatives such as Milliken Assure™ and the harmful regulatory environment that is increasingly affecting the fire service industry.

The Problem with PFAS in Firefighter Gear

PFAS are one of the most studied classes of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals that are exceptionally persistent in the environment. PFAS are endlessly useful to every industry, including making firefighting gear. This wide-reaching use has rightly raised significant questions about the proven safety of these experimental products. Firefighters have always depended on these chemicals for their water and heat-resistant properties. These intrinsic characteristics further shed light on what makes them so honorees in life threatening circumstances.

PFAS’ unique properties that make them so harmful make them so useful. Not surprisingly, they are very difficult to break down. If ignored, they can remain in the environment indefinitely long—thousands of years even—poisoning soil, water, and air forever. In fact, studies show firefighters have some of the highest PFAS levels in their blood compared to the general population. This is perhaps at least in part to the highly specialized gear they don and the dangerous work environments they operate within. Laboratory tests indicate that firefighters are more exposed to PFAS as their gear becomes more worn out. Another part of this increase can be attributed to exposure to environmental elements.

While the science on PFAS toxicity is still developing, the health risks of PFAS exposure are shocking. These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including kidney, testicular, and thyroid cancer. Other human health effects include immune system dysfunction, liver damage, and developmental problems in children. Considering these risks, the time to demand safer alternatives to PFAS-containing firefighting gear is long overdue.

Milliken Assure™: A New Standard in Firefighter Protection

Innovation Milliken Assure™ is the most innovative breakthrough in firefighter safety. It is the first non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier for firefighter turnout gear developed in North America. This groundbreaking fabric provides the same advanced protection as PFAS-laden equipment, without the serious health hazards of PFAS.

Assure™ technologies are UL certified and beats the NFPA 1971-2018 requirements, which is the industry standard for protective clothing and equipment. This third-party certification guarantees that the equipment is robust and will continue to perform to the highest degree of safety under all expected conditions. It provides firefighters with great protection from heat, flames and water. Additionally, it protects them from dangerous chemicals.

Milliken’s commitment to safety goes further than the materials they produce. The company has implemented behavior based safety programs and plant-wide safety programs. They do employee interviews to assess safety mindsets and conduct nationwide plant-safety walkthroughs to identify areas of concern. One such plant implemented Milliken’s safety program and saw an astounding 63% reduction in hand injuries. Every plant employee was deeply involved in the plant’s safety subcommittee. This comprehensive view of safety is a testament to Milliken’s commitment to safeguard the guardians.

Benefits of PFAS-Free Firefighting Gear

Making the switch to PFAS-free firefighting gear comes with many benefits, starting with increased firefighter health and safety. Firefighting has been professionally classified as a carcinogen. Luckily, PFAS-free gear is now widely available, and using it can significantly limit exposure to these toxic substances, reducing the risk of cancer and other serious health impacts. Research indicates that PFAS-free gear can deliver comparable performance to conventional gear in terms of durability, water repellency, and heat resistance. Well don’t worry—you won’t have to sacrifice performance!

PFAS-Free Gear Advantages

  • Reduced Health Risks: Minimizes firefighter exposure to harmful PFAS chemicals.
  • No Compromise on Performance: Offers comparable durability, water repellency, and heat resistance.
  • Improved Safety: Protects firefighters from the harmful effects of PFAS absorbed through the skin or inhalation.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Meets the requirements of cities and states banning PFAS-containing gear.
  • Long-Term Cost Savings: Can be washed and maintained multiple times, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

The Growing Trend of PFAS Legislation

A broad coalition of interests—health advocates, environmental groups, public utilities, and the military—have been pushing for the regulation and restriction of PFAS across the United States. This trend is fueled by a growing understanding of the health and environmental hazards posed by these chemicals. Bans on PFAS-containing firefighting gear are already in place in several states and cities, with many more on the verge of adoption.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made great strides to clean up both legacy PFAS and present day contamination. Shortly afterward, in October of 2021, the EPA announced their PFAS Strategic Roadmap. This roadmap lays out an expansive, proactive strategy to manage PFAS, prioritizing extensive data collection, preventing future use, and remediating contamination already in the environment. In April 2024, the EPA finalized a rule designating perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This designation gives the EPA the authority to compel polluters to clean up known PFAS contamination sites.

Recently, the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) prioritized addressing exposure to PFAS. This annual initiative will set the tone for enforcement activities through every office of the EPA from 2024 all the way until 2027. On April 10, 2024, the EPA proposed a federal rule that would establish drinking water standards for nine variations of PFAS compounds, including PFOA. Additionally, this rule requires public water systems to conduct their first round of monitoring by April 26, 2027. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), a final rule substantially expanded the reporting requirements for manufacturers and importers of PFAS to provide information to the EPA. This would provide information on PFAS application, production levels, disposal practices, exposure, and hazards linked to exposure. This increasing regulatory pressure is forcing companies to switch to PFAS-free gear. This change is overdue for health, safety, and equitable compliance.

Resources for Transitioning to PFAS-Free Gear

For fire departments that want to make the switch to PFAS-free gear, there are many resources to help navigate this transition. These resources help departments find PFAS-free gear options, understand funding opportunities, and follow best practices for PFAS-free transitioning.

  1. Manufacturers of PFAS-Free Gear: Contact companies like Fire-Dex, which offer turnout gear made with Milliken Assure™ and other PFAS-free materials. These manufacturers can provide detailed information on the performance and benefits of their products.
  2. Grant Programs: Explore federal, state, and local grant programs that provide funding for fire departments to purchase new equipment. Some grant programs specifically target the purchase of safer, PFAS-free gear.
  3. Industry Associations: Consult with organizations like the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which offer resources and guidance on PFAS-related issues.
  4. Consulting Services: Engage with consultants who specialize in helping fire departments transition to PFAS-free gear. These consultants can provide expert advice on selecting the right gear, developing a transition plan, and securing funding.

Every fire department can confidently make PFAS-free gear the next one they acquire by taking advantage of these free resources. This transition will protect the health and safety of their firefighters, while advancing compliance with the new rule. The future of firefighting is PFAS-free firefighting. Adopting this preventive approach will help ensure that we’re doing all we can to protect the people who protect us.

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