Massachusetts Senate Democrats excluded amendments to ban PFAS in firefighter gear from a major health care bill but promised to address the issue by July 31.
Sam Drysdale reports for the Worcester Telegram.
In short:
- Amendments to eliminate PFAS from firefighter gear were ruled out of scope in a health care reform bill.
- PFAS, linked to cancer, is prevalent in firefighter equipment and many household products.
- Despite majority support, Senate leaders committed to addressing PFAS legislation separately.
Key quote:
"We are sick of going to funerals for firefighters that died of occupational cancer."
— Richard MacKinnin, president of Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts
Why this matters:
Firefighters are exposed to PFAS through their gear and the chemicals can leach into their skin or be inhaled during fires. This exposure is a troubling addition to the many risks already faced by these first responders. For those on the front lines, this means the gear designed to protect them might be endangering their lives in another, less immediate way.
