New NYC Bill to Ban PFAS in Firefighter Gear

NYC Moves to Ban “Forever Chemicals” in Firefighter Gear New York, December 2025 — A newly proposed bill in the New York City Council aims to ban the use of toxic PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” — in firefighting gear worn by the city’s firefighters. The proposed legislation seeks to protect the health of the roughly 11,000 members of New York City Fire Department (FDNY), who often wear protective jackets, pants, gloves and boots treated with PFAS. The Guardian +2 Audacy +2 ⚠️ Why PFAS is Under Fire PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are chemicals long used in manufacturing to make fabrics resistant to heat, water and stains. However, research increasingly links PFAS exposure to serious health risks, including cancer, kidney damage, and other long-term illnesses. The Guardian +2

FireRescue1 +2 Firefighter gear treated with PFAS can pose a hidden danger — over time, chemicals may be absorbed through the skin or inhaled due to heat and wear during firefighting operations. The proposed bill would ban such gear, recognizing that protective equipment meant to save lives must not itself carry long-term health risks. The Guardian +2 Audacy +2 🧑‍🚒 What the Bill Proposes The bill mandates a transition away from firefighting gear containing intentionally added PFAS by 2028. The Guardian +2

Audacy +2 It requires written disclosure: firefighters must be notified if their issued gear contains PFAS. intro.nyc +1 As part of the effort, the legislation aligns with wider regulatory moves: previous and concurrent bills at the state level — like 2025-S3659 — aim to recall or phase out firefighting foams and equipment containing PFAS. New York State Senate +2 New York State Senate +2 According to lawmakers backing the bill, safer PFAS-free protective gear alternatives already exist — meaning the health of first responders can be safeguarded without compromising protection standards.