BOSTON — Firefighters will get state help limiting their exposure to toxic “forever” chemicals on the job under a bill signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey on Thursday.
The bipartisan measure, which was approved by lawmakers before the July 31 end of formal sessions, would require makers of protective equipment worn by firefighters to disclose if they use compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, of PFAS, which have been linked to high cholesterol, liver damage and cancer.
The plan eventually bans the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting equipment sold in the state, but that provision doesn’t go into effect until Jan. 1. 2027.
“Today, Massachusetts is putting health and safety and the well-being of our firefighters first by phasing out the use of these dangerous chemicals that have cause so much harm to our communities and to our heros,” Healey said Thursday at a bill signing ceremony, flanked by lawmakers and firefighters.
The measure is supported by firefighters unions and trade groups, as well as environmental groups such as Clean Water Action and the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, which are trying to raise public awareness about the presence of PFAS substances in food and other products.
“In fire service, we have a phase — first due — those first companies that respond to an incident,” Richard MacKinnon Jr., president of the 12,000-member Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, said in remarks. “This bill makes Massachusetts ‘first due’ in striking out occupational cancer. This is the strongest bill in our nation.”
Laura Spark, Clean Water Action’s environmental health program director, called the ban an “enormously important first step” but said “there is more to do to protect firefighters and the public” from the health impacts of the chemicals.
PFAS compounds were used to make consumer products ranging from raincoats to upholstery and have been dubbed “forever chemicals” because they accumulate in the human body and can take thousands of years to degrade.
Research has found potential links to illnesses such as kidney cancer and high cholesterol, as well as complications in pregnancies.
Dozens of states are weighing proposals to eliminate PFAS in food packaging, firefighting foam and other products, in addition to setting limits on the amount of contaminants found in water.
Massachusetts was among the first states to regulate PFAS chemicals in drinking water, and it boasts one of the toughest standards in the country.
But firefighters and other first responders say they are frequently exposed to the toxic compounds on the job and worry about the long-term health effects.
Firefighting foams that contain PFAS substances are used to extinguish fires involving highly combustible materials, such as those in gas tankers or oil refineries.
Last year, the International Association of Fire Fighters filed a lawsuit against the Massachusetts-based National Fire Protection Association, which sets national standards for firefighters’ protective gear. The lawsuit argues that the group colluded with industry to set its guidelines so that gear must contain PFAS chemicals to meet standards.
As Attorney General, Healey filed a federal lawsuit against more than a dozen companies that make firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals, and two other firms accused of shielding assets that could have been used to clean up the contamination.
The legal challenge, which is ongoing, alleged that the companies continued to make and sell firefighting foam containing PFAS for decades, despite evidence that the toxic compounds are harmful to human health and polluting the environment.
In Congress, lawmakers have filed a bill that would direct federal agencies to develop practices, training and educational programs to reduce, limit and prevent exposure to PFAS compounds.
The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act, which is backed by several members of the state’s congressional delegation, will require federal agencies to inform fire departments of the chemicals in their gear, how to try to limit exposure and what alternatives are available.
Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com