California firefighters are advocating for Assembly Bill 1181 to phase out PFAS chemicals in their uniforms, which are linked to increased cancer risks among firefighters. This legislation has garnered bipartisan support and aims to address not only the historical use of these harmful chemicals but also their long-term environmental impacts. Firefighters emphasize the paradox of their protective gear, which exposes them to carcinogenic substances. With cancer being a significant risk—evident from high mortality rates among firefighters—this legislative effort underscores the urgent need for safer materials in their gear.
The very equipment that we use to keep others safe is making us sick, said San Francisco Firefighters Local 798 treasurer Sina Riahi, who represents 1,700 members.
Once heralded as World War II-era miracle materials shielding against elements like fire and water, forever chemicals have since been recognized as carcinogens.
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