"Efforts to ban PFAS statewide have advanced this year: in October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1881, introduced by San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney, which banned the use of PFAS in firefighting equipment for all California firefighters. And across the U.S., other departments have begun to make the transition: earlier this year, Providence, Rhode Island, rolled out new gear, and in 2024, Massachusetts passed a ban on the use of PFAS in firefighting PPE, set to take effect in 2027."
"There've been some setbacks - finding alternatives to a moisture barrier without using PFAS has been a challenge, according to SFFD, and in other cities, some gear purchased to replace the toxic suits has tested positive for the chemicals. But SFFD said a new flame-resistant, non-PFAS moisture barrier introduced by textile innovator Milliken & Company last October made it possible for the department's manufacturer, Fire-Dex, to meet all of its requirements to deliver on the new gear."
California advanced a statewide PFAS ban when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1881 in October, banning PFAS use in firefighting equipment for all state firefighters. Departments nationwide have begun transitioning; Providence rolled out new gear and Massachusetts passed a PPE PFAS ban effective 2027. Challenges emerged replacing PFAS moisture barriers, with some replacement gear testing positive elsewhere. San Francisco found a solution when Milliken & Company introduced a flame-resistant, non-PFAS moisture barrier, enabling manufacturer Fire-Dex to meet requirements. SFFD purchased the equipment with a $2.35 million FEMA grant plus matching funds. Officials emphasized that protecting firefighters strengthens community health and safety.
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