The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has spotlighted how Illinois is now the third state to ban intentionally added PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in firefighter protective gear thanks to a new bill signed earlier this month.
On 15 August, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed H.B. 2409, the Deputy Chief Pete Bendinelli PFAS PPE Act, into law.
Named for longtime Calumet City Firefighters Local 621 member Pete Bendinelli, who died from cancer earlier this year, the law prohibits the sale of turnout gear and PPE with intentionally added PFAS to fire departments beginning 1 January 2027.
Manufacturers will also be required to provide written notice of any turnout gear containing intentionally added PFAS starting in 2026.
Championed by the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI), the measure was the result of strong advocacy from Illinois firefighters and the bill’s two lead sponsors: State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D) and state Rep. Mike Kelly (D), a Chicago firefighter.
According to the IAFF, the bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously.
AFFI President Chuck Sullivan shared: “The AFFI wants to thank Governor Pritzker for his signature and commends Representative Kelly and Senator Villivalam for their strong leadership and commitment.
“They championed this issue as lead sponsors in their respective chambers.”
Reducing carcinogenic exposure from protective gear is a key part of the IAFF’s ongoing mission to combat the cancer epidemic in the fire service.
The IAFF has spotlighted how studies suggest a strong association between PFAS and negative health outcomes such as cancer, kidney disease and reproductive damage.
Rep. Mike Kelly, who has been a Chicago Local 2 member for nearly 20 years shared: “Little did we know that the actual gear designed to protect us is actually killing us.”
With the signing of H.B. 2409, Illinois now joins Massachusetts and Connecticut as the first states to ban the sale of fire fighter protective gear containing intentionally added PFAS.
General President Edward Kelly explained: “Occupational cancer is the greatest threat facing IAFF members today.
“I applaud the work of our AFFI brothers and sisters for prioritizing the health and safety of current and future members and for building such broad, bipartisan support for this important bill.”
The IAFF also discussed how more states and municipalities are expected to take similar action as the dangers of these forever chemicals become better understood by lawmakers and the public through the advocacy of the IAFF and its affiliates.
As departments shift to PFAS-free gear, independent testing remains key to ensure newly purchased protective gear is as marketed.
In Quincy, Massachusetts, testing earlier this month revealed concerning levels of PFAS in gear sold as “PFAS-free,” highlighting the importance of not relying on manufacturer assurances.
The IAFF has spotlighted how Illinois is now the third state to ban intentionally added PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in firefighter protective gear thanks to a new bill signed earlier this month.
