This legislation would create a dedicated fund to support programs and grants related to researching, developing, and purchasing PFAS-free firefighter gear.

PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items waterproof, fire-resistant, or non-stick. These chemicals have become ubiquitous in products ranging from cookware to firefighting equipment to children’s toys, despite posing dangerous health risks. Even at low levels, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals can be devastating — increasing the risk of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects, colitis, and other diseases. Compounding these dangers is the persistent nature of PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breaking down in the environment.