EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The East Providence Fire Department has introduced a new line of protective gear free of PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
The department switched to non-PFAS gear following the passage of state legislation earlier this year, which banned the manufacture, sale or distribution of firefighting equipment containing harmful substances, according to WJAR. PFAS chemicals, found in numerous everyday products, are known for their resistance to breaking down and have been linked to serious health risks.
“They had to come up with new materials in how it would be made to still get that protection without introducing harmful chemicals,” Fire Chief Michael Carey said. “It protects any water from coming in, steam especially when we’re coming from a fire, it doesn’t get in and burn our people, that’s the barriers job, it was the chemicals being used in it that once it came under heat it was an issue for us, when it got recognized, it took a number of years to get it taken care of but we’re here.”
The purchase of the new gear was made possible through a partnership between firefighting equipment manufacturer Fire-Dex and textile manufacturer Milliken, who collaborated to develop PFAS-free materials suitable for fire service use.
While non-fluorinated fabrics have been used for outer shells and thermal liners in firefighter turnout gear, moisture barriers have typically contained fluorochemicals to provide water repellency and pathogen resistance. In October 2024, a new moisture barrier material called Assure was introduced, designed to meet performance standards for all three layers of protective gear without the use of PFAS, Milliken stated in a press release. The product has been certified by UL and meets the NFPA 1971-2018 standard after undergoing safety and performance testing.
The city of East Providence also ensured funding was available to support the transition.
“We had some AARPA funds that we were able to put towards first responders’ public safety,” Mayor Robert DaSilva said. “Bottom line is first responders put their lives every day for our residents and when they’re using equipment that’s putting their lives on the line, it’s time to make a change.”
Officials say the upgraded gear will help protect first responders from long-term health hazards while maintaining the safety standards required for emergency operations.
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