By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- The city of Wellesley, Massachusetts, approved the purchase of new turnout gear for firefighters designed to reduce exposure to “forever chemicals,” officials said.
- The gear complies with updated safety standards aimed at limiting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in protective equipment.
- Funding for the purchase was included in the city’s fiscal 2027 budget.
- Fire department leaders said the new gear will enhance long-term health protections for personnel.
- The initiative reflects growing municipal efforts nationwide to address firefighter chemical exposures.
WELLESLEY, MA — The Wellesley Town Meeting voted to approve funding for new firefighter turnout gear that meets updated safety standards to minimize exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” officials said.
The approved purchase is part of the town’s fiscal 2027 budget and will allow the fire department to replace older gear with new ensembles designed to limit long-term health risks associated with PFAS compounds, according to municipal documents.
Fire Chief Patrick Larkin said the updated turnout gear complies with emerging industry guidance and safety standards and is intended to improve protective performance while reducing potential chemical exposure for firefighters.
Town officials noted that the new equipment aligns with broader municipal and national efforts to address occupational health concerns linked to PFAS in protective clothing and that the investment reflects a commitment to firefighter safety.
The fire department will begin outfitting personnel with the new gear after delivery, and officials said they anticipate continued evaluation of emerging safety technologies to protect responders’ health.