It’s bad enough that firefighters are exposed to airborne toxic carcinogens every time they enter a burning residence. Worse yet, the gear they wear to protect themselves contains its own set of toxins.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — also known as “forever chemicals” for their tendency to persist in the environment and human body — are used to waterproof what firefighters call “turnouts” — the heavy-duty fire-resistant coat, pants, and gloves they put on for protection. And PFAS are linked to cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, and immune system damage. International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) estimates that cancer caused 65% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2021.
To protect firefighters, state and local jurisdictions around the country are looking to eliminate PFAS from turnouts, and gear manufacturers are working to develop turnouts without the chemicals.
San Francisco was the first to ban PFA-laden turnouts in 2024, setting a June 2026 deadline for their replacement. Massachusetts and Connecticut followed with their own bans the same year, and Illinois in 2025.
Last spring, the Oregon Legislature passed a resolution committing that as soon as such gear is commercially available, Oregon will ban the future use of PFAS in firefighters protective gear and ensure that turnouts containing PFAS are quickly replaced throughout the state.
In December, New York City Council passed a requirement that the New York City Fire Department — the nation’s largest — phase out PFAS-laden gear by 2028.
In Portland, City Council member Eric Zimmerman is developing a resolution to be introduced this spring that would make a similar commitment.
Making good on these promises will require big budget outlays: A single turnout can cost upwards of $5,000.
For IAFF, getting PFAS out of gear is a top political and legislative priority.
