On July 29, 2024, the Massachusetts House and Senate approved Senate Bill 2902 (SB 2902), targeting the reduction of toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE).
The bill, as reported by The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, broadens the definition of firefighting PPE to include clothing, jackets, pants, footwear, gloves, helmets, and respiratory equipment, and restricts the presence of intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in these items.
Originally, SB 2902 required manufacturers to notify purchasers if PPE contained PFAS, explaining the purpose and identifying the specific chemicals.
However, the revised bill now enforces a comprehensive prohibition.
Effective January 1, 2027, the bill states: “A manufacturer or other person who sells firefighting personal protective equipment…shall not manufacture, knowingly sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale or distribute for use in the commonwealth any firefighting personal protective equipment containing intentionally added PFAS.”
The bill aims to protect firefighters from the harmful effects of PFAS, which are linked to various health issues.
The legislation reflects growing concerns about the safety of PFAS chemicals, which have been used for their resistance to heat, water, and oil.
The change from notification to outright prohibition indicates a stronger stance by Massachusetts lawmakers in response to these health risks.
If signed by the Governor, Massachusetts will join other states that have banned PFAS in PPE.
This legislation is part of a broader movement across the country to eliminate the use of PFAS in various products, especially those used by emergency responders who face heightened exposure risks.
SB 2902 specifies that the new regulations will be phased in over several years.
Section 1 of the bill, which lays out the initial requirements, will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Section 2, detailing the complete prohibition, will come into effect on January 1, 2027.
Manufacturers and distributors will need to adjust their production and sales practices to comply with these new regulations.
The legislation also mandates that both sellers and purchasers of firefighting PPE retain records of any written notices about PFAS content for at least three years from the date of purchase.
These records must be furnished to the department upon request within 60 days.
The new law will have significant implications for manufacturers and distributors of firefighting equipment.
They will need to reformulate their products to exclude intentionally added PFAS, potentially leading to increased costs and research into alternative materials.
Companies that fail to comply with the new regulations will face penalties and restrictions on their ability to sell products in Massachusetts.
Manufacturers will need to be transparent about the chemical composition of their products and ensure that no PFAS are included in their firefighting PPE.
This shift may drive innovation in the industry as companies seek safer and compliant alternatives to PFAS chemicals.
On July 29, 2024, the Massachusetts legislature passed Senate Bill 2902, which bans intentionally added PFAS chemicals in firefighting personal protective equipment.
The bill, effective January 1, 2027, prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of PPE containing PFAS.
The legislation reflects a growing trend of states eliminating PFAS due to health concerns.
If signed by the Governor, Massachusetts will join other states in banning these chemicals in firefighting gear.
The new regulations require manufacturers to comply by specified dates, significantly impacting the production and sale of firefighting PPE.
