Governor Healey signs bill to help protect firefighters from equipment containing PFAS

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) – A new law looks to change how forever chemicals are used in firefighting gear. At a signing ceremony on Beacon Hill on Thursday Governor Maura Healey signed a bill into law meant to protect firefighters from harmful PFAS in their equipment which have been linked to higher rates of cancer.

This crucial law requires firefighting equipment manufacturers to provide written notice to local, state government, and other buyers if their equipment contains forever chemicals. Currently only gear containing PFAS is considered up to code because of the chemical’s thermal stability and water resistant properties. But, national and state firefighter organizations warn that their gear has caused high rates of cancer diagnosis and death among their colleagues.

“As firefighters, we’re used to working together,” expressed the President of Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, Richard Mackinnon Jr. “realizing the importance and the scourge that we face every day with occupational cancer.”

Massachusetts looks to be a leader on PFAS legislation with firefighter organizations saying this is the strongest legislation in the country.

“Today, Massachusetts is putting health and safety, and the wellbeing of our firefighters, first by phasing out the use of these dangerous chemicals that cause so much harm to our communities and to our heroes,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.

This issue is particularly prevalent in Westfield where the average PFAS blood level is 3.4 times the national average due to the firefighter foam used at a local national guard base.

By 2027 firefighter equipment manufacturers will be blocked from selling or distributing any equipment that contains PFAS in Massachusetts.

Olivia Ray is a State House reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since April 2024. Follow Olivia on X @OliviaRayMedia and view her bio to see more of her work.

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