The Nantucket Fire Department Takes Action
Stand With Firefighters
We are standing with firefighters who are asking for the Freedom to Choose PFAS free PPE/gear! The Town of Nantucket took a bold stand and approved the Nantucket Fire Department to obtain PFAS free gear. One hurdle stands in the way.
Head to pfasfreeppe.com to learn more about PFAS in firefighter turnout gear and support firefighters’ freedom to choose what they wear!
IAFF Resolution 28: Toxic Chemicals in PPE PASSES at the Convention
The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Resolution 28: Toxic Chemicals in PPE PASSED with an astounding 99% YES vote at the IAFF Virtual Convention by union delegates from across the nation. This is a major step in further protecting our bravest heroes from toxic exposure to PFAS in turnout gear.
Now what? Since PFAS-free turnout gear is not yet available on the market, we urge you to contact your gear manufacturers to let them know you want it! In the interim, see the graphic for safe-handling suggestions from PPE specialist, Jeff Knobbe.
IAFF Resolution 28 Comprehensive Overview
Read: The New York Times - Firefighters Battle an Unseen Hazard: Their Gear Could Be Toxic
Read: Inquirer & Mirror - Island Firefighter at Forefront of Fight to Ban PFAS from Gear
Taking the First Step
We’re so proud that the Nantucket FD is the first station in the nation to get local town approval to source fully PFAS-free turnout gear. (This is a big deal!)
We will continue to update this page with any developments on the Nantucket FD’s battle against PFAS.
**If you are a firefighter or another department and want to connect or have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Peaslee Study Finds New Source of PFAS Exposure: Firefighter Turnout Gear
Dr. Graham Peaslee, professor of experimental nuclear physics at the University of Notre Dame, and fellow researchers found that firefighter turnout gear sheds harmful PFAS that exposes our first responders to this toxic chemical.
Read More
Men’s Health - The Toxic Job of Being a Hero
Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror - Island Firefighter at Forefront of Fight to Ban PFAS from Gear
The Boston Globe - Firefighters May Be Wearing Gear That Contains Toxic Chemicals, Researchers Say
The New York Times: Firefighters Battle an Unseen Hazard: Their Gear Could Be Toxic
Firefighters Want Halt on Money From Makers of PFAS-Laden Gear
Brian Ross Investigates: Firefighters Sound Alarm On Possible Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Gear
NFD Captain Steps Up to Protect Fellow Firefighters
AFSO21 Weekend Wrap-Up Podcast - Sean Mitchell Secretary/Treasurer Nantucket Local 2509
Fire Engineering - It’s Time For Firefighters to Demand PFAS-Free PPE
Notre Dame - What Would You Fight For? Fighting to Protect the Brave
Bloomberg Law - Firefighters Face New Possible Risk from Toxic PFAS: Their Gear
Fire Rescue 1 - Study Finds High Levels of PFAS in Turnout Gear
WDEL - New Research Emphasizes Need to Make Chemically Tainted Firefighter Gear Safer
Chemical & Engineering News - Protective Gear Could Expose Firefighters to PFAS
NH Union Leader - Study Championed by NH Couple Finds Toxic PFAS Chemicals in Firefighters’ Gear
Science Daily - Gear Treated with ‘Forever Chemicals’ Poses Risk to Firefighters