By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — PFAS chemicals, designed to repel water and oil to keep wearers dry, have been linked to numerous health issues, recent studies have shown. Firefighting gear contains these cancer-causing chemicals, but safer alternatives are being developed.
According to WJLA, a growing body of research shows that PFAS are present in firefighting gear, with wear and tear increasing exposure to these toxic chemicals.
“When you look at firefighters, they sign up to go into burning buildings and do dangerous things,” Fire Chief Tiffany Green said. “What they don’t sign up for is for the gear they’re wearing to be the thing that causes them to die.”
Green’s department is one of only five in the U.S. and Canada chosen to test PFAS-free prototype gear. The selected cities include Denver, Colorado; Miami, Florida; Prince George’s County, Maryland; San Francisco, California; and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Assistant Chief Donnie Fletcher said firefighters are testing the new gear in real-life and training scenarios to assess its performance. Firefighters are focused on the fit, flexibility, and thermal protection of the PFAS-free gear.
Prince George’s County firefighters will test the gear for 90 days and complete surveys comparing its performance to legacy gear. Data from all participating departments will be compiled into a report to evaluate the gear and recommend next steps.