PFAS timelines clarified as OHEAP advises UK businesses there is no ban

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionHealth and SafetySafety

OHEAP responds to PFAS questions in the UK

OHEAP Fire & Security is advising UK businesses that no PFAS firefighting foam ban currently applies in the country, despite new rules introduced in the European Union.

The company said headlines about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led some organisations to believe their existing foam extinguishers are no longer compliant.

According to OHEAP Fire & Security, there is currently no legal requirement for any UK organisation to remove or replace PFAS-containing extinguishers.

The firm stated that it is already preparing for possible regulatory change but stressed that current equipment remains compliant in the UK.

OHEAP Fire & Security said it wants customers to avoid unnecessary expenditure or disruption based on mistaken assumptions about EU legislation.

EU PFAS regulation and current UK position

OHEAP Fire & Security explained that the European Union has introduced a PFAS ban under Regulation 2025/1988.

The regulation came into force on 23 October 2025.

It includes a ban on the sale of PFAS-containing foams in the EU after 23 October 2030.

It also requires the complete removal of PFAS-containing extinguishers in EU member states by 31 December 2030.

OHEAP Fire & Security emphasised that these deadlines do not apply in the United Kingdom.

The company noted that the UK Government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are following their own process.

According to OHEAP Fire & Security, the HSE launched a six-month consultation on PFAS use in firefighting foam on Monday 18 August 2025.

The consultation is scheduled to close on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

OHEAP Fire & Security stated that UK decisions on PFAS in firefighting foam will only be made after this review concludes.

The firm reiterated that, for now, nothing has changed for UK businesses and all existing fire safety equipment remains compliant.

PFAS timelines and planning for UK businesses

OHEAP Fire & Security is calling for calm and clarity from organisations reviewing their firefighting foam provisions.

Nicholas Heap, Managing Director at OHEAP Fire & Security, said: “There is a lot of misinformation circulating, and we want to reassure our customers.

“The UK has not introduced any PFAS ban, and UK businesses do not need to remove or replace equipment at this time.

“OHEAP Fire & Security will guide customers through any future changes in a planned, cost-effective way.”

The company stated that early indications point to the earliest possible UK ban falling in late 2026.

OHEAP Fire & Security reported that a phase-out period of around five years is likely if a UK ban is introduced.

On that basis, the firm said existing PFAS foam extinguishers might not need to be removed until 2031 or later.

The company highlighted that these projected timelines would allow businesses to plan budgets and replacements in a controlled way.

OHEAP Fire & Security added that long notice periods should help organisations avoid unnecessary disruption to operations.

PFAS-free alternatives and ongoing support from OHEAP

OHEAP Fire & Security stated that it is already helping customers prepare for possible future PFAS restrictions.

The company said it is monitoring legislative developments and will provide factual updates as new information becomes available.

OHEAP Fire & Security confirmed it will offer guidance on replacement options only when regulations require change.

The firm outlined that it is already transitioning some organisations to the Hydrex ECO Fire Extinguisher.

According to OHEAP Fire & Security, Hydrex ECO is a PFAS-free extinguisher that is positioned as an environmentally responsible option.

The company said Hydrex ECO allows customers to move towards PFAS-free equipment in line with the direction of anticipated future regulations.

OHEAP Fire & Security added that this approach enables businesses to upgrade at their own pace over a longer term.

The firm stated that it aims to help organisations manage any eventual transition smoothly and in a cost-effective manner.

PFAS decision-making and equipment strategy in the UK

Procurement officers responsible for extinguishers and firefighting foam in UK organisations can use this information to avoid premature replacement of PFAS-containing equipment.

OHEAP Fire & Security’s explanation that current PFAS foam extinguishers remain compliant in the United Kingdom means replacement cycles can be aligned with confirmed regulatory decisions rather than media coverage.

Facility managers in industrial, commercial and public buildings can factor the potential earliest ban date of late 2026 and a likely five-year phase-out into asset planning.

This allows them to phase in PFAS-free extinguishers such as Hydrex ECO Fire Extinguishers alongside normal renewal programmes instead of undertaking immediate whole-site changeovers.

Risk assessors and fire engineering consultants can reference the distinction between European Union Regulation 2025/1988 and the current UK position when reviewing firefighting foam specifications and advising clients.

Fire-protection contractors, system installers and fire engineers can use the projected timelines and OHEAP Fire & Security’s stated support offer to plan service visits, replacement programmes and stock management over several years.

Specialists working with multi-site portfolios across the EU and UK can also separate EU deadlines from UK consultation dates when coordinating equipment strategies in different jurisdictions.

Correction: this article previously incorrectly stated ‘It includes a ban on the sale of PFAS-containing foams in the EU after 23 October 2025.‘

Carcinogens in Quincy gear: why firefighters say trust is broken

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsHealth and SafetyPPE
Image: IAFF [Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch discusses PFAS concerns at a press conference.]

Independent testing confirms presence of PFAS in new gear

Independent testing has confirmed the presence of carcinogens in turnout gear purchased by Quincy, Massachusetts.

According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the equipment was advertised as PFAS-free but analysis showed high levels of the chemicals.

Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch said: “It’s truly outrageous to me, and deeply troubling, that we stand here today talking about how the new gear that we bought – sold to us on the premise that it had no PFAS in it, PFAS-free, that’s how it was advertised – was recently independently tested and came back highly positive with PFAS components in the gear.”

The IAFF stated that the results confirm fire fighters cannot rely on industry assurances about safety claims.

IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “We cannot trust the manufacturers. We have to do independent testing on our own and ensure that what we’re being told is true – that dangerous chemicals are not infused in our gear.”

Context of PFAS risks and carcinogens

The IAFF reported that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified some PFAS as carcinogenic.

It added that growing scientific evidence points to long-term health risks from exposure.

Quincy’s Local 792 requested the independent analysis after concerns about the PFAS-free claims made by the manufacturer.

The city had begun purchasing new gear two years ago, and the decision to test was made to confirm that equipment met safety expectations.

The IAFF explained that the findings from Quincy illustrate how carcinogens remain present in turnout gear despite marketing assurances.

Local leadership response in Quincy

Quincy Local 792 President Tom Bowes said the findings highlight the failures of manufacturers to provide safe equipment.

Bowes said: “The last few months dealing with this issue have been frustrating, angry, and, truthfully, sad, seeing what these companies continue to pull.

“These companies are paid to protect us, and they have failed miserably.

“We do this job because we love helping people.

All we ask is to be protected.”

Bowes confirmed that support from the IAFF, 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and city officials has helped Local 792 address the problem.

The IAFF stated that the collaboration has been essential in navigating the outcome of the testing.

NFPA standards restricting carcinogens in gear

The IAFF reported that its advocacy has helped shape new standards on turnout gear.

In October 2024, NFPA issued Standard 1970, the first to restrict PFAS and other hazardous substances in turnout gear.

The organisation said the standard introduces a Restricted Substances List prohibiting chemicals such as PFAS and certain flame retardants.

This provision takes effect on 18 September 2025, and manufacturers may continue selling existing gear until 18 March 2026.

It said this gap leaves a period where fire fighters could still purchase equipment containing PFAS or other substances.

The IAFF added that NFPA 1970 also changes UV Light Degradation tests to reflect real-world conditions.

The association reported that the new framework may support the development of next-generation protective clothing.

It said the standard also establishes voluntary labelling to indicate gear tested and found to contain 100 ppm or less total fluorine.

Calls for continued vigilance

Kelly said the issue is wider than Quincy alone.

He said: “This is not a Quincy-centric issue. This is something that impacts fire fighters across North America.

“We cannot trust corporations to tell us the truth.

They have failed us too many times.”

The IAFF explained that while the NFPA changes are progress, the Quincy results highlight the ongoing need for independent testing.

It added that carcinogens in turnout gear remain a concern for departments across the continent.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The IAFF stated that the findings in Quincy show how carcinogens may still be present in gear marketed as safe.

The organisation said this emphasises the importance of independent testing of equipment.

It explained that fire departments should be aware of the timeline for NFPA 1970 implementation and the continued presence of PFAS in the market.

It added that professionals across the sector can use this information to inform procurement, policy, and training decisions.

Carcinogens found in Quincy firefighter gear: Summary

Independent testing confirmed the presence of carcinogens in new turnout gear purchased by Quincy, Massachusetts.

The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that the gear had been marketed as PFAS-free.

Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch criticised the findings.

IAFF General President Edward Kelly said fire fighters must conduct their own independent testing.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified some PFAS as carcinogenic.

Quincy’s Local 792 requested the analysis of newly purchased equipment.

Local 792 President Tom Bowes said manufacturers had failed to provide protection.

The IAFF reported that support came from Local 792, IAFF District leadership, and state representatives.

The IAFF stated that NFPA introduced Standard 1970 in October 2024.

The standard restricts PFAS and other hazardous substances in turnout gear.

The provisions take effect on 18 September 2025 with a sell-through period until 18 March 2026.

NFPA 1970 also includes updated UV Light Degradation testing.

The standard establishes voluntary labelling for gear tested with 100 ppm or less fluorine.

Kelly said carcinogen risks are a continent-wide issue.

The IAFF said the findings highlight the need for continued independent testing.

The hidden risk in firefighter gear that the US Army says it is removing

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPPESafety

First Army unit transitions to PFAS-free bunker gear

The US Army has reported that its Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) 596th Transportation Brigade has completed a full transition to PFAS-free firefighting gear.

The Army explained that this marks the first time a unit has entirely replaced bunker gear previously containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”.

According to the Army, PFAS were historically used in firefighting protective clothing for water and heat resistance, but exposure has been linked in research to elevated cancer risks.

The transition began at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point in North Carolina and at Military Ocean Terminal Concord in California.

Bunker gear refers to the full protective suits worn by structural firefighters, designed to withstand high heat and hazardous conditions.

Leadership focus on firefighter protection

Lance Stratton, chief of SDDC’s Protection and Mission Assurance Division, said: “We acknowledged the potential health and safety risks associated with long-term exposure to forever chemicals and took action to improve the protection of our firefighters.

“This was about making sure the people protecting our facilities and communities are as safe as possible.”

Stratton noted that the process was slowed by difficulty in sourcing suitable equipment in the volumes needed.

He credited Fire Chief Michael Fox of Sunny Point for ensuring the procurement remained a command priority.

“Chief Fox was undeterred in his efforts,” Stratton said. “He made this procurement process a priority across the command.”

Legacy of Chief Scott

Fox explained that the initiative was originally championed by Chief Michael Scott, the former Sunny Point fire chief who died from cancer in April.

“Unfortunately, Chief Scott lost his battle with cancer earlier this year, which made the issue very personal for us,” Fox said.

“We pressed forward with his plan to keep our personnel as safe as we possibly can.

“Firefighting is inherently dangerous—the things we can see remind us of that.

“The things we can’t see are often the ones that get us.

“Carcinogens are everywhere.”

Scott’s death reinforced the risks posed by hidden chemical exposures faced by firefighters.

Procurement and standards compliance

The Army reported that following research and coordination with other departments, including Naval Air Station Key West, the brigade selected Honeywell’s Morning Pride gear.

It said the product meets or exceeds National Fire Protection Association requirements without containing PFAS.

The gear was obtained through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Fire and Emergency Services Equipment Tailored Logistics Support Program.

The Army confirmed that the first shipment was delivered on 28 July.

Fox said: “The new gear has been very well received.

“Knowing there is one less thing lurking in the gear that’s supposed to keep you safe is reassuring.”

Broader Department of Defense policy

According to the Army, this step aligns with wider Department of Defense measures to eliminate PFAS in both firefighting foams and protective clothing.

The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act directed the phase-out of aqueous film-forming foam containing PFAS by 2024, with possible extensions until 2026.

Stratton added: “PFAS, and their potential link to cancer, are a significant concern for firefighters.

“It strikes especially close to home for our team at Sunny Point.”

Fox added that he hopes the transition will be noticed beyond SDDC.

“Our job as leaders is to ensure our personnel go home after every shift,” Fox said.

“This is one more way we can help make that happen.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development highlights a shift in firefighting equipment procurement policies within the US military, moving towards PFAS-free materials.

It shows how health risks connected to turnout gear are being addressed at organisational level.

The process also reflects the challenges of vendor sourcing and compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards.

Fire and safety professionals may find lessons in the Army’s approach to policy, logistics and the influence of leadership on health protection initiatives.

US Army adopts PFAS-free firefighting gear: Summary

The US Army has confirmed that its Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command 596th Transportation Brigade has transitioned to PFAS-free bunker gear.

The gear was implemented at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point in North Carolina and Military Ocean Terminal Concord in California.

The Army reported that PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” have been linked in studies to cancer risk.

Lance Stratton, chief of the Protection and Mission Assurance Division, said the initiative was taken to protect firefighters.

Fire Chief Michael Fox noted that the programme was begun by former Chief Michael Scott, who died from cancer in April.

Honeywell’s Morning Pride gear was selected for meeting National Fire Protection Association standards without PFAS.

Procurement was completed through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Fire and Emergency Services Equipment Tailored Logistics Support Program.

The first shipment of gear was delivered on 28 July.

The Army said this action aligns with Department of Defense goals to remove PFAS from firefighting foams and protective clothing.

The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act mandated a PFAS phase-out by 2024, with potential extensions until 2026.

Stratton said concerns about cancer made this change personal for the team at Sunny Point.

Fox said the gear provides reassurance by removing one risk from firefighter protective equipment.

The billion-dollar question: will PFAS litigation be settled before firefighters’ cancer cases reach trial?

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPPE

Firefighters’ cancer cases move toward trial

The Minnesota Star Tribune has reported that jury trials for firefighter cancer claims linked to PFAS-containing firefighting foam are scheduled to begin in October 2025.

According to the newspaper, thousands of claimants allege that 3M’s foams caused cancer, with the first “bellwether” case focusing on kidney cancer due to be heard on 20 October.

Attorney Ronald Miller, who represents plaintiffs, wrote that he expects settlements to be reached before the trial.

3M, based in Maplewood, Minnesota, has already faced PFAS-related costs including a $12.5 billion settlement in 2023 over water contamination claims.

The manufacturer stated that it will address PFAS litigation through either court defence or negotiated resolutions, depending on the circumstances.

Ongoing financial impact on 3M

The Star Tribune reported that analysts estimate 3M may still face between $5 billion and $15 billion in additional PFAS-related payouts.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Deane Dray said that litigation costs will affect cash flow and may limit funds available for new product development.

UBS analyst Amit Mehrotra told 3M’s CEO Bill Brown during an investor call that pending liabilities remain a drag on the company’s valuation.

A Baptista Research report stated that 3M’s balance sheet remains strong enough to cover litigation expenses while continuing to pursue growth.

The company ended PFAS manufacturing this year but continues to manage legal challenges.

History of PFAS use and regulation

The Star Tribune explained that 3M has produced PFAS since the 1950s for products including Scotchgard and firefighting foam.

Internal documents show the company recognised by the 1970s and 1980s that the chemicals do not break down easily and accumulate in the environment and human bodies.

Health studies have linked certain types of PFAS to cancer and other risks.

3M paid $850 million in 2018 to settle a PFAS contamination case with the State of Minnesota.

Since then, thousands of lawsuits have been filed by individuals, municipalities and states.

Multidistrict litigation and bellwether trials

The firefighting foam cases have been combined in a South Carolina federal court under multidistrict litigation.

The first bellwether trial is scheduled to begin on 20 October 2025.

Federal Judge Richard M. Gergel has urged settlement talks and appointed a mediator.

He said in court last year that defending the cases nationwide could impose high costs on 3M.

The Star Tribune reported that 3M has faced similar processes before, including a series of bellwether trials that led to a $6 billion earplug settlement.

Global and state-level lawsuits

The Star Tribune said that 3M faces legal claims not only in the United States but also in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The company recently agreed to pay up to $450 million to settle claims from New Jersey’s attorney general.

More than 30 other state attorneys general are pursuing litigation.

In addition, around 50 cases are pending from local governments, landowners and businesses.

3M’s most recent filings reference PFAS nearly 300 times, reflecting the scale of ongoing liabilities.

CEO perspective on litigation

3M CEO Bill Brown has said in investor calls that he aims to balance litigation expenses with product innovation.

He explained that the company must maintain cash flexibility to manage cases while investing in growth.

Brown said last month: “These are all settling legacy issues, and we’re going to deal with this as best as we can.”

He added: “It’s important for us to make sure that we maintain the cash flexibility to handle these issues as they come, yet still invest in the growth of the company.”

Brown’s approach differs from his predecessor Mike Roman, who publicly prioritised reducing legal uncertainty.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The litigation centres on firefighting foams containing PFAS, a material long used to suppress fuel fires.

Firefighters allege in court filings that their use of the foams caused cancer.

The outcomes of the bellwether trials will inform future settlements and potential compensation for affected firefighters.

For safety professionals, the proceedings illustrate the long-term health, financial and regulatory consequences of firefighting chemicals.

PFAS litigation trials against 3M scheduled in US: Summary

Jury trials for firefighter cancer claims linked to PFAS foams are scheduled to begin in October 2025.

The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that thousands of plaintiffs allege 3M’s foams caused cancer.

The first bellwether case, focusing on kidney cancer, is set for 20 October.

Attorney Ronald Miller suggested the cases may settle before trial.

3M said it will handle PFAS litigation either in court or through negotiations.

Analysts estimate additional PFAS payouts between $5 billion and $15 billion.

3M previously paid $12.5 billion in 2023 for water contamination claims.

The company ended PFAS manufacturing in 2025.

More than 12,000 firefighting foam cases are included in a multidistrict proceeding in South Carolina.

A mediator has been appointed to encourage settlement.

Global cases continue in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands.

New Jersey reached a $450 million settlement with 3M.

Over 30 state attorneys general are pursuing litigation.

About 50 additional cases involve local governments, landowners and businesses.

3M’s CEO Bill Brown has said the company will balance legal expenses with product development.

Brown noted the need to maintain cash flexibility while investing in growth.

Former CEO Mike Roman prioritised reducing risk from lawsuits.

3M has previously settled other large cases, including a $6 billion earplug settlement.

The litigation concerns PFAS, which are persistent chemicals with links to health risks.

Firefighters allege exposure to foams containing PFAS caused cancer.

The bellwether outcomes will influence future settlements and compensation.

PFAS ban poses challenges for fire industry, says Britannia Fire

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

MPs told UK must clarify PFAS transition

Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director of Britannia Fire, a leading manufacturer of fire extinguishers in the UK, has addressed the Environmental Audit Committee in the House of Commons.

He highlighted the significant challenges facing the fire safety industry in achieving a smooth transition away from PFAS firefighting foam.

PFAS and the push for regulatory change

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), widely used in firefighting foams, are under scrutiny due to their environmental impact and health risks.

Known as ‘forever’ chemicals, they do not degrade easily in the environment.

 Research has also indicated that they can lead to a range of health issues, including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, a higher risk of certain cancers and immune system suppression, which is why the European Union is phasing them out of firefighting foam and implementing a total ban by 2030.

Key barriers to a smooth PFAS phaseout

The UK is yet to announce a ban but is expected to follow suit later this year.

While the Committee investigates whether the UK is doing enough to address the risks, Spence told MPs that a successful phaseout of PFAS fire extinguishers will be dependent on several limiting factors:

  • Disposal bottlenecks – with only two UK-approved facilities able to incinerate PFAS foam waste, backlogs are growing and will only get worse. Units contaminated with PFAS cannot be reused or recycled, further compounding the issue.
  • Increasing costs – as demand for compliant disposal grows, so too will the associated costs.
  • Customer confusion – many end-users remain unclear on what is already banned, what will be banned, and what steps they should be taking now.

Industry progress and PFAS-free alternatives

He confirmed, however, that the industry has made huge strides to reduce its environmental impact.

Spence told the Committee that there are now PFAS free alternatives on the market enabling customers to easily make the switch, including Britannia Fire’s innovative and environmentally friendly P50 fire extinguishers:

“At Britannia Fire, we recognised the detrimental effects of PFAS some time ago and successfully removed them from all our products last year. We’ve been leading the way and pushing the rest of the industry to follow suit.

“Our P50 fire extinguishers meet all required standards, are PFAS free, fully recyclable and have a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional metal extinguishers. They are also multi-purpose meaning less units are required, and do not require costly annual servicing.”

He continued “The fire industry is committed to sustainability and safety, but the road to a PFAS-free future is complex.

“Whilst there are good alternatives now on the market, there are still a number of challenges that the industry must overcome.

“We’re calling for urgent action to streamline disposal methods, for example, potentially extracting water from foam to reduce incineration volumes, and a review of existing servicing requirements which could enable a more flexible and realistic phaseout timeline.”

To support end-users during this transition, Spence is suggesting that businesses make the switch sooner rather than later: “By moving early, businesses will avoid inflated disposal and replacement costs.”

To watch the Environmental Audit Committee session visit parliamentlive.tv.

Britannia Fire warns of industry challenges ahead of PFAS ban: Summary

Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director of Britannia Fire, has addressed the Environmental Audit Committee on the challenges of phasing out PFAS firefighting foam.

He said the UK fire safety sector faces barriers including limited disposal facilities, rising costs and confusion among end-users about regulatory timelines.

Spence told MPs that Britannia Fire removed PFAS from its products last year and is urging early transition to avoid backlog and expense.

He called for improved disposal methods and clearer servicing guidance to support a practical national phaseout.

East Providence becomes first in US to implement PFAS-free turnout gear

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPPESafety

East Providence equips entire department with PFAS-free turnout gear

The East Providence Fire Department in Rhode Island has become the first in the United States to outfit all firefighters with turnout gear free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The initiative was carried out in partnership with Fire-Dex and Milliken & Company and funded by a $658,000 investment from the City of East Providence.

The department received 170 sets of gear, providing each of its 125 full-time firefighters with one full new set.

According to Fire-Dex, the new gear includes Milliken Assure, a non-halogenated, non-PFAS moisture barrier introduced in October 2024.

The development comes as Rhode Island legislation H.B. 5019, which bans intentionally added PFAS in firefighting gear, was signed into law on 10 June 2025.

Turnout gear designed without fluorinated chemicals

Fire-Dex explained that the new gear marks a full transition to PFAS-free materials across all three layers of protection: the outer shell, thermal liner and moisture barrier.

While non-fluorinated options already existed for outer shells and liners, moisture barriers have traditionally depended on fluorinated compounds.

Milliken Assure was described by Fire-Dex as the first viable alternative that met all required safety and performance standards for moisture barriers.

The company confirmed that the new gear is certified by UL and compliant with NFPA 1971-2018.

According to Fire-Dex, performance and safety tests were conducted to verify durability and protection levels without the use of fluorochemical technologies.

Partnership between East Providence, Fire-Dex and Milliken

East Providence Fire Chief Michael Carey said: “This is about progress, partnership, and making deliberate decisions that reflect our department’s values.”

He added: “We’re proud to work with U.S. suppliers who share our vision and respond with innovation and accountability.”

Mayor Roberto DaSilva said: “Fire-Dex and Milliken listened closely to what we wanted and worked with us every step of the way.”

He added: “This gear delivery represents more than new uniforms – it represents a commitment to keep our firefighters protected when they put their lives in danger to keep our communities safe.”

The partnership began in early 2024, with East Providence working alongside Fire-Dex and Milliken to develop a complete, PFAS-free turnout solution.

Rhode Island legislation drives PFAS gear alternatives

According to Fire-Dex, the rollout of the new gear aligns with legislative action in Rhode Island.

H.B. 5019, signed into law on 10 June 2025, prohibits the manufacture, sale or distribution of turnout gear containing intentionally added PFAS from 1 January 2027.

The bill has added urgency to the search for alternatives across fire departments in the state.

Fire-Dex stated that its PFAS-free gear supports compliance with the upcoming law and positions East Providence ahead of the legislative timeline.

It also noted that increased national attention on PFAS in firefighter PPE has created momentum for chemical-free alternatives.

Long-standing relationships contribute to delivery

Fire-Dex said it has supplied turnout gear to the East Providence Fire Department for more than 20 years.

It stated that this long-standing relationship supported open collaboration and responsiveness during the gear development process.

Milliken and Fire-Dex also maintain a strategic manufacturing partnership that spans over a decade.

According to Fire-Dex, this collaboration allowed for joint development of protective fabrics using U.S.-based research and production.

The company added that the shared focus on firefighter safety helped align all parties on delivery goals.

East Providence becomes first in U.S. to implement PFAS-free turnout gear: Summary

The East Providence Fire Department is the first in the U.S. to adopt non-PFAS turnout gear across its entire workforce.

Fire-Dex reported the rollout as part of a $658,000 investment by the City of East Providence.

The gear includes Milliken Assure, a PFAS-free, flame-resistant moisture barrier.

Each of the city’s 125 full-time firefighters has received one new set of gear.

The delivery consists of 170 total sets of turnout gear.

Fire-Dex confirmed the new gear is UL certified and complies with NFPA 1971-2018.

The gear eliminates fluorinated chemicals from all three protective layers.

Rhode Island’s H.B. 5019 prohibits PFAS in turnout gear from 1 January 2027.

The law was signed on 10 June 2025.

The department’s adoption supports early compliance with the upcoming ban.

Fire-Dex and Milliken collaborated with the department beginning in early 2024.

Milliken and Fire-Dex have worked together for more than 10 years.

Fire-Dex has supplied East Providence Fire Department for over two decades.