East Providence Fire Department Adopts Non-PFAS Turnout Gear

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Firefighters from East Providence showcasing their new non-PFAS turnout gear designed for enhanced safety.

News Summary

The East Providence Fire Department has become the first in the U.S. to adopt non-PFAS turnout gear, investing $658,000 to enhance firefighter safety. This innovative gear, featuring Milliken Assure, aims to eliminate health risks linked to traditional gear containing harmful PFAS substances. The transition aligns with legislative efforts to ban PFAS in firefighting equipment. Fire Chief Michael Carey and Mayor Roberto DaSilva emphasize the commitment to safety and health for firefighters. The new gear meets NFPA standards and represents a significant advancement in firefighting equipment.

East Providence has made headlines by becoming the first fire department in the United States to adopt non-PFAS turnout gear designed for firefighters. This groundbreaking decision comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance firefighter safety and health, addressing concerns linked to traditional turnout gear that often contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been associated with serious health risks, including cancer.

The East Providence Fire Department’s investment totaled an impressive $658,000, funded by the city. This substantial allocation allowed for the purchase of 170 sets of the new turnout gear, specifically designed for the department’s 125 full-time firefighters. The new gear features Milliken Assure, which is North America’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier, and represents a significant advancement in firefighting equipment.

This transition to non-PFAS turnout gear aligns with recent legislative efforts, notably the introduction of a bill in the Rhode Island General Assembly (H.B. 5019), aimed at banning the intentional use of PFAS in firefighter turnout gear sold or utilized in the state starting in 2027. This initiative reflects a growing national trend to seek safer alternatives to PFAS in firefighting equipment.

Fire Chief Michael Carey has emphasized the importance of making decisions that reflect the department’s core values, highlighting the role of progress and partnership in achieving this significant milestone. Mayor Roberto DaSilva has also reiterated that the new gear symbolizes a commitment to ensuring the safety of firefighters who daily put themselves at risk to protect the community.

The newly adopted PFAS-free gear eliminates fluorinated chemistry from all protective layers, including the outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier. Traditionally, moisture barriers in firefighting gear relied on fluorinated chemicals for their water repellency and pathogen resistance. However, the innovative materials used in this new gear achieve these essential protective features without the inclusion of harmful substances, thereby reducing the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS.

Performance and safety testing of the new turnout gear have been completed, with certifications obtained from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), confirming that the gear meets the rigorous standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971-2018. This ensures that firefighters are equipped with reliable gear that meets the required safety standards for emergency operations.

Fire-Dex, a long-standing supplier of firefighting gear to the East Providence Fire Department for over 20 years, played a crucial role in the development of the PFAS-free materials in collaboration with Milliken. The partnership focused on creating a fully PFAS-free turnout solution to better protect first responders from potential long-term health risks.

The implementation of this new gear is viewed as a proactive measure in response to the ongoing legislative changes regarding PFAS in firefighting equipment. This initiative underscores the concerted efforts of the city, manufacturers, and fire departments to prioritize firefighter safety and respond effectively to emerging health concerns associated with traditional firefighting gear.

The introduction of non-PFAS gear by the East Providence Fire Department stands as a significant advancement in the firefighting community’s efforts to enhance safety measures, ultimately protecting those who risk their lives for the wellbeing of others.