Read the full article by Pat Rizzuto (Bloomberg Law)
“Two North American cities are moving forward with the purchase of firefighting gear that has no intentionally added PFAS, a key development for manufacturers who have faced legal liability over the presence of the forever chemicals in their equipment.
Vancouver, Canada, and Concord, N.H., are the first North American cities to commit public funds to purchase personal protective gear made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Neil McMillan, director of science and research with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) union, said in recent interviews.
The development follows political, legal, and financial pressure over the risks associated with the equipment. Driven by the fear of PFAS exposure adding to the cancer risk they already face, firefighters have successfully pushed for studies of their PFAS exposures, filed toxic torts against the companies that make the chemicals and gear, and purchased pieces of protective clothing, like gloves, as they became available without PFAS.” …