The Illinois House approved legislation Thursday dealing with PFAs found in firefighting gear. According to the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, this legislation is needed so firefighters don’t get cancer and die from the PFAS added to the gear that’s supposed to be protecting them.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. They’ve been used in various products since the 1940s, including stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, firefighting foams and firefighting gear. Some PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and don’t break down easily.
HB2409:
- Requires written notice that firefighting personal protective equipment contains PFAS at time of sale beginning January 2026.
- Requires the written notice be held for 3 years by the seller and purchaser.
- Prohibits sales, manufacture, or distribution of firefighting personal protective equipment beginning January 2027.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) is married to a firefighter and is a co-sponsor of the bill
