Request for a public hearing

Hold PFAS-Free Firefighter Gear Hearing in Boston

Last activity May 21, 2026 (4 months ago)

  1. Introduced

    May 18, 2026

  2. In committee

    The committee decides whether to send it to the full council.

  3. Council vote

  4. Adopted

The City Council ordered a hearing to examine PFAS and other carcinogens in Boston Fire Department turnout gear and to evaluate a transition to PFAS-free uniforms. The hearing will review procurement standards, testing, and feasibility, inviting representatives from the Fire Department and other interested parties to discuss safer equipment and long-term health protections for firefighters.

Affects Boston firefighters

Filed by Brian Worrell, Benjamin Jacob Weber, Enrique Pepén, Julia Mejia, Ruthzee Louijeune, John FitzGerald, Sharon Durkan, Liz Breadon, Ed Flynn, Erin Murphy, and Miniard Culpepper

Now with the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice

About Environment & Climate , Health & Human Services and Public Safety

Compare with the government's own wording

Official title

Order for a hearing regarding cancer-causing chemicals in Boston Fire Department turnout gear and the transition to PFAs-free replacement uniforms.

Timeline

  1. May 20, 2026

    Referred to

    City Council

    On motion of Councilor Culpepper, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Murphy and Flynn as original co-sponsors. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.