As I travel around Massachusetts I have heard more and more examples of firefighters who contracted cancer because of PFAS chemicals (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) used in firefighting foam and in their firefighting turnout gear. While PFAS hazards are more commonly associated with exposure to contaminated drinking water and food, firefighters’ exposure is also well-documented. For example, it was one of several areas cited in a recently-released report by the PFAS Interagency Task Force. There is also a pending federal lawsuit filed by firefighters.
It is important to remember that the firefighters affected by this health hazard are public employees who were exposed on-the-job and due to contaminants in gear and materials provided to them by the government, albeit with good intentions.
I am personally committed to supporting our first responders and their mission, and that begins with supporting their health and safety. While the recently-passed House Budget contains several earmarks related to PFAS remediation, they are all local in nature and do nothing to address the problem more generally. I believe this is a missed opportunity, particularly given the large amount of surplus revenue and federal funding available to our state. We need to make sure that the gear and supplies we provide to our first responders is safe and effective for their use and that it does not make them sick.
Original source can be found here.
