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Vancouver commits to PFAS-free turnout gear, leading North American fire departments

October 30, 2024

Vancouver fire department receives first PFAS-free gear

As reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Vancouver, B.C., marked a new phase in fire fighter safety on Wednesday with the arrival of the first shipment of PFAS-free turnout gear at a local fire hall.

The shipment, consisting of 137 sets of StedFast’s StedAIR firefighting coats and pants, is part of the city’s initiative following an April announcement of a one-time budget increase of $2.8 million dedicated to outfitting the Vancouver Fire Department with PFAS-free apparel.

Vancouver is the first city in North America to commit to transitioning entirely to PFAS-free turnout gear, aiming to have 443 sets delivered by year-end and full distribution to the city’s 900 fire fighters by early 2025.

This transition plan includes maintaining current turnout gear as a backup when the new sets are undergoing cleaning, with the goal of achieving an entirely PFAS-free gear inventory within five years.

City leadership and firefighter union respond

Katrina Davison, President of Vancouver Local 18, expressed gratitude toward Vancouver’s leadership for prioritizing firefighter health.

She acknowledged the support from Mayor Ken Sim and Fire Chief Karen Fry, stating: “It shows that our fire chief and mayor truly care about our health by reducing our exposure to carcinogens and helping to lower our risk of cancer.”

She added: “It means we can spend less time worrying about the gear we wear and more time focusing on meeting the increasingly challenging needs of our city.”

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has made addressing occupational cancer risks a central focus, advocating for safe PFAS-free gear as part of the solution to reduce toxic exposures in the profession.

Understanding PFAS and health risks

PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in firefighting gear to provide water and oil repellency.

Known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment, PFAS are associated with various health concerns, including cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, and endocrine and immune system impacts.

These chemicals are resistant to breakdown, leading to long-lasting environmental and health effects.

Vancouver’s Fire Chief Karen Fry commented on the department’s initiative, stating: “I am super proud that we continue to lead cancer prevention initiatives in the fire service and are also providing our staff with the best protective gear in VFRS history.”

Broader movement for PFAS-free gear in British Columbia

In addition to Vancouver’s efforts, British Columbia municipal leaders have supported a provincial motion encouraging financial backing for PFAS-free firefighting gear.

In September, leaders at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference passed a motion to request provincial funds to assist other departments with the transition to safer, PFAS-free options.

Occupational cancer remains a critical concern within the firefighting profession.

According to the IAFF, cancer is the primary cause of fire fighter line-of-duty deaths in Canada, responsible for over 94% of such cases among members.

Vancouver commits to PFAS-free turnout gear, leading North American fire departments: Summary

Vancouver has become the first city in North America to begin a complete transition to PFAS-free turnout gear for its firefighters, as reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters.

The city’s fire department received the initial shipment of 137 StedAIR PFAS-free coats and pants, part of a larger $2.8 million project announced in April 2024 to provide 900 firefighters with safer gear by early 2025.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts in British Columbia, where local leaders are advocating for provincial funding to support PFAS-free transitions across departments.

PFAS, long used for their water and oil repellency in firefighting gear, are linked to serious health risks, including cancer, leading Vancouver to phase out these “forever chemicals.”

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