Read the full article by Morgan Rousseau (Boston.com).
“Quincy firefighters are sounding the alarm after city councilors delayed a vote on funding new protective gear, following the discovery of harmful PFAS chemicals in equipment currently in use.
Mayor Thomas Koch has asked the City Council to approve a $2.65 million bond to purchase new turnout gear free of PFAS — chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks, according to the Quincy Sun.
But on Monday, councilors voted 5 to 4 to keep the proposal in committee, delaying a final decision and frustrating firefighters and union leaders who had pushed for approval, the Sun reported.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of ‘forever chemicals’ often used in firefighting gear for their water- and heat-resistant properties. They’ve been reported to build up in the body over time and lead to increased cancer risk, as well as liver and thyroid issues.
The request for new gear comes after testing found PFAS in equipment the city had previously bought and believed to be free of the chemicals, prompting officials to seek replacements and consider possible legal action against manufacturers.”…