About Us
A group of firefighters, advocates, and scientists are fighting to give the fire service the freedom to choose PFAS-free PPE.
In recent years, more and more information about PFAS in firefighter PPE has surfaced, and has some firefighters asking for PFAS-free gear. In January 2021, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) held a vote for two PFAS-related Resolutions: Resolution 28 and Resolution 31. Both passed with 99% member support. R28 loosened the grip of the chemical industry on the IAFF and R31 advocated for PFAS-free gear. This showed firefighter support of stepping away from PFAS in gear. There is still one problem. A National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard, NFPA 1971 (now consolidated into NFPA 1970), has an unnecessary UV light test that only PFAS materials can pass, which means manufacturers are unable to produce PFAS-free gear.
In June 2021, IAFF President Ed Kelly, submitted Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) 1594 on NFPA 1971 which would remove the unnecessary UV light degradation resistance test for the moisture barrier, thus allowing PPE manufacturers to produce PFAS-free gear and give firefighters the option to choose PFAS-free gear. To be clear, TIA 1594 will not prohibit the use of PFAS in turnout gear - it will simply allow for PFAS-free gear to be an option to fire departments.
Unfortunately, the NFPA Standards Council did not pass TIA 1594, so firefighters are forced to wear gear with PFAS. We are working on alternative actions and will stay steadfast until we remove PFAS from firefighter PPE.
In the interim, the best course of action is to drive education, awareness and advocate for safer alternatives.
— The Freedom to Choose Team
Have questions? Email us at pfasactiongroup@gmail.com.
Learn more about PFAS in the Fire Service
“We don’t really know what is a safe dose, so we have to minimize it (PFAS) as much as we can.”
— Dr. Philippe Grandjean, Harvard University (Hartford Courant)