ATTLEBORO — The Attleboro Fire Department has received its first sets of PFAS-free turnout gear as part of an ongoing effort to improve firefighter health and safety.
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, 19 sets of PFAS-free turnout gear were delivered to the Attleboro Fire Department. The delivery marks the first phase of the Department’s transition to PFAS-free protective gear. Moving forward, existing turnout gear will be replaced with PFAS-free gear as it reaches its scheduled replacement date, or sooner when possible.
Cancer remains one of the most significant occupational health concerns facing the fire service. Research has found that career firefighters experience higher rates of several types of cancer compared with the general population, with the incidence of certain cancers found to be as much as 37% higher. Firefighters are routinely exposed to smoke, combustion products and other hazardous substances throughout their careers.
PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” have historically been used in firefighter turnout gear for their water and oil-resistant properties. While cancer risk in the fire service comes from many different occupational exposures, reducing unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is another important step toward protecting firefighters’ long-term health.
“Firefighting is already a dangerous profession, and the men and women performing this work are exposed to hazards on a daily basis,” Fire Chief Scott Lachance said. “There is no reason putting on the protective gear designed to keep them safe should add to those hazards. Moving toward PFAS-free turnout gear is an important step in protecting our firefighters both on the job and throughout their careers.”
Professional Firefighters of Attleboro Local 848 President Lt. Greg Nunes said the transition represents an important step in addressing occupational cancer in the fire service.
“Firefighters have been at war with cancer for years, and the rates at which firefighters are diagnosed remain a serious concern,” Nunes said. “This is a big step forward in helping reduce unnecessary exposures and, hopefully, helping curb those numbers. We thank the Department for listening to the concerns of our members and beginning the transition to PFAS-free gear.”
The Attleboro Fire Department will continue transitioning to PFAS-free turnout gear as existing equipment reaches its scheduled replacement date, with earlier replacement taking place when possible.
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