A new report by a task force studying PFAS, or “forever chemicals” commonly found in nonstick cookware, some clothing and firefighter gear, is being praised by the firefighting community.
“It was really shocking, both through testimony that we heard and coming to understand that PFAS is in all of the turnout gear that is used by our firefighters, and with the increase of PFAS in gear, we’ll also see increases in cancer rates,” said state Rep. Kate Hogan, D-Stow, co-chair of the committee.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are added to products to make them water-, grease- and stain-resistant, but they persist in the environment and humans’ bodies, and can cause a myriad of health effects including kidney and liver disease, immune system suppression, birth defects and cancer. PFAS have been detected in water systems throughout the state.
After nine public hearings over the past several months, the committee issued 30 recommendations across eight broad strategy areas.