By Bob Katzen
Gov. Healey signed into law a measure that would require a manufacturer or person that sells Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment to any person or government agency, to provide, beginning January 1, 2025, written notice to the buyer, at the time of sale, if the equipment contains toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance chemicals,
known as PFAS. The seller would also have to provide the reason the chemicals were added to the equipment. Beginning on January 1, 2027, the bill goes further and would prohibit any person or company from manufacturing, knowingly selling or distributing any equipment containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals.
“Our firefighters are our heroes,” said Gov. Healey. “They selflessly run into harm’s way to protect their neighbors. It is essential that they have comprehensive information about what’s in their protective gear so that they can make informed choices that are best for them. This bill is an important part of our efforts to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our firefighters in Massachusetts.”
“Our firefighters are among the most hardworking, selfless people in Massachusetts, operating under the most dangerous of conditions while risking their own lives to save others,” said State Auditor Diana DiZoglio who was an original sponsor of the measure. “For their dedication to our communities, we must do all we can to provide them with the supports they need to do this invaluable work.”
“It is both joyous and a relief to finally witness the signing of this important legislation,” said Rep. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro) who originally filed the bill in 2019. “Despite improvements in cancer care, our firefighters are still becoming sick and dying from occupational cancers at a rate more than twice the general population.”
“This is great news,” said Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG’s Legislative Director. “Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect us in an emergency, and we must make sure the gear they wear will protect them.”
VETERAN SUICIDE AWARENESS (H 4862) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would designate September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.
The day would be in recognition and in honor of fallen service members and veterans and their families; to acknowledge that suicide among service members and veterans is an epidemic; to foster awareness of suicide among service members and veterans; and to call for suicide prevention measures for service members and veterans.
“We brought forward this veteran suicide remembrance and awareness bill in direct response to the tragedies that have left holes in the fabric of our communities and in order to build awareness to prevent future tragedy,” said co-sponsor Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “[This bill] is an important step in offering support to both our active service members and veterans.”