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Legislation would ban toxic firefighter gear

PFAS associated with higher rates of cancer

BY CRYSTAL LEWIS
Posted 2/7/25

Firefighters are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer than the general public, studies have shown. To combat that, Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced legislation that would prohibit the sale of firefighter gear containing harmful chemicals known as PFAS.

Fire responders’ personal protective equipment, including their boots and jackets, is frequently treated with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS chemicals, to make the equipment water-resistant. But in recent years, concerns have emerged about the health risks of PFAS exposure, including its potential link to cancer and negative impacts on the immune system.

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