In a landmark decision, Concord's city council approved funding for PFAS-free firefighter gear, marking a significant step toward reducing cancer risks among firefighters.
Catherine McLaughlin reports for the Concord Monitor.
In short:
- Concord, NH, becomes one of the first cities to equip its firefighters with PFAS-free gear, aiming to lower cancer risks associated with traditional gear.
- The city council unanimously voted to allocate $305,000 for new gear, moving from a rolling replacement strategy to bulk purchases every five years.
- The decision came after testimonies from firefighters, including a cancer survivor, highlighting the dangers of PFAS in protective gear.
Key quote:
"We are no longer willing to accept the narrative that cancer in the fire service is an unavoidable byproduct of the job."
— Brian Ryll, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire
Why this matters:
The Concord, NH, city council decision heralds a precedent for other fire departments nationwide and the growing recognition of the myriad threats in our everyday lives and occupations posed by PFAS. Read more about the insidious infiltration of PFAS into our everyday lives: Investigation: PFAS on our shelves and in our bodies.
