SAN DIEGO — A new bill aims to protect firefighters from cancer-causing chemicals.
Assembly Bill 2408 would ban forever chemicals known as PFAS, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
The bill is meant to address the growing concern over the health and safety faced by firefighters.
“All of these things that we still don’t know the true effects of, can affect us for the rest of our lives," said firefighter and paramedic, Timothy Ross.
AB 2408 aims to reduce the risk of cancer and other serious health issues among firefighters by banning forever chemicals. The bill will ensure that the moment a safe alternative is made available for making fire fighter gear water resistant, PFAS will be banned from being used. Additionally, the bill directs the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to revise its regulations to meet the latest testing safety standard within a year after it has been updated.
“It’s basically a fluorinated chemical produced by the textile industry to make the equipment we wear to go to structure fires to make it more durable. It's supposed to protect the firefighters and the reality its hurting us," said Ross.
PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals and are in everything from non-stick cookware, cleaning products, water-resistant fabric, and even personal care products.
It’s also in all the turnout gear firefighters use throughout the state.
“When you go into a fire room, you’re in an environment that’s hundreds of degrees hot, so you sweat a lot, and as you sweat – your pores open up and the PFAS chemicals that’s directly in these textile are absorbed into your skin at a rapid rate," explained Ross.
They’re called forever chemicals because once they enter the body, they stay in your body forever.
Ross is a union officer and represents local 2881 in San Diego and says removing the chemicals will ensure the health and safety of firefighters so that they can better serve the public.
“Removing the PFAS is one step forward in trying to create a better and safer existence for us, reducing health care costs, increasing our wellness, letting us serve the public better and longer," said Ross.
PFAS have been linked to higher-than-normal levels of cancer among firefighters, which is now the leading cause of death for firefighters, overtaking heart disease.
“We have extreme exposure to risks from just our daily jobs. And that leads to increased cancer. I currently have friends that have suffered from cancer, are suffering from cancer, and I know I will have friends that will get cancer," he added.
The bill has already passed the state Assembly with bipartisan support. It now heads to the state Senate.
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