California Legislature passes bill to ban PFAS in fire gear

The bill cleared the Legislature with unanimous Senate approval and a 79–0 Assembly vote.

AB 1181 will ensure that California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards (CAL OSHA) board creates an implementation timeline that develops and creates a standard utilising scientific research to ban cancer causing chemicals from being used in firefighter turnout gear by 2028, Haney said in a press release on his official website.

“Twenty years ago, heart disease was the biggest threat to firefighter health. Today, cancer has replaced it as the leading killer,” said Haney. “Firefighters put their lives at risk every day on the front lines saving lives, responding to emergencies and taking care of the vulnerable. We have an obligation to ensure they are not exposed to cancer-causing chemicals from the very equipment designed to keep them safe.

Brian K Rice, president of California Professional Firefighters, stressed the significance of the Legislation: “Firefighters shouldn’t have to choose between protection from fire and exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. This bill is about protecting the health and future of every firefighter in California.”

San Francisco Firefighters Local 798 also voiced strong support. “For too long, the gear meant to protect us has contained PFAS that threaten our health,” said Alec Kauf, president of San Francisco Firefighters, Local 798. “We appreciate the leadership of Assemblymember Haney in working to eliminate these toxic threats once and for all.”

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)