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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Environment
Tom Perkins

Two states become first in US to ban use of PFAS in firefighters’ protective gear

A firefighter extinguishes a fire
A firefighter extinguishes a fire in Saugus, Massachusetts, in 2023. Photograph: David L Ryan/Boston Globe via Getty Images

Massachusetts and Connecticut are the first two states in the US to ban the use of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in protective gear worn by firefighters.

Turnout gear, including jackets, pants, boots, gloves and other protective equipment that firefighters wear is treated heavily with PFAS that makes it resistant to water and heat, and helps the textiles breathe.

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