(BOSTON 8/10/2026) — Last week, 48 Massachusetts state legislators sent a letter to the office of Governor Maura Healey requesting that she issue an executive order meant to limit PFAS-containing products within government buildings and agencies. The letter asks the Governor to require executive office agencies stop purchasing products made with PFAS chemicals if there are PFAS-free alternatives available on the market, extending the Commonwealth’s efforts to reduce public exposure to dangerous “forever chemicals” while setting an example for individuals and companies who may be unaware that safer products exist.
The legislators’ request comes two years after the signing of S.2902 – An Act relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment, which creates the framework for the elimination of new firefighter turnout gear containing PFAS from Massachusetts firehouses by 2027. Introduced and championed by Second Worcester District Senator Michael Moore, the bill establishes a legal definition for “intentionally added PFAS,” a definition the Governor can cite in an executive order.
“The science is in – PFAS chemicals are dangerous and linked to dozens of short- and long-term health risks. The question is, what are we going to do about it?” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m thrilled that 47 of my colleagues have joined me in urging Governor Healey to use her power to reduce exposure to PFAS in government buildings across the Commonwealth. By banning our departments and agencies from purchasing products containing these ‘forever chemicals,’ Massachusetts has the opportunity to help drive the growing market for safer products and to show Bay Staters that choosing safer alternatives doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. I’m grateful for the support we have received from environmental activists and health advocates in this fight, and I’m hopeful that the Governor will continue her leadership on this issue.”
PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items fireproof, waterproof, or non-stick. These chemicals have become ubiquitous in products ranging from cookware to furniture to food and drink containers 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.
The letter argues, “To enact the best public health practices, it is crucial that Massachusetts, a state that makes evidence-based policy decisions, takes action to restrict PFAS exposure. Adopting PFAS-free purchasing would increase public awareness on the matter, while we work towards finding and developing PFAS-free alternatives to common products.” Pointing to cities and towns like Newton, Brookline, and Middleborough which have already enacted similar procurement bans, the legislators suggest that the precedent for this action is set.
The movement to limit government purchases of PFAS-containing products is not new – over 50 Massachusetts environmental advocacy organizations sent a letter with a similar request to Governor Healey’s office in February 2025. They highlight that the molecular strength of PFAS-class chemicals causes them to accumulate in soil and water, where they can remain for decades without breaking down. Direct pollution from industrial waste and firefighting foam, as well as unintentional releases from landfills, can contaminate drinking water sources – a problem Massachusetts is spending millions of dollars attempting to remediate.
Governor Healey herself has shown concern about PFAS contamination in the Bay State. The legislators’ letter points out that in 2022 as Attorney General, she filed a class action lawsuit against 13 PFAS manufacturers for polluting the state’s drinking water and damaging its natural resources. Litigation on the case is still ongoing.
17 senators and 31 representatives signed this week’s letter urging action at the highest level of Massachusetts government. The full letter, including the list of signatories, can be found online here.
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