Update: this bill did not pass through the funnel on February 16, 2024, and is unlikely to move forward this legislative session.

Disclosing PFAS in Firefighter Protective Equipment

PFAS is a toxic substance that has been used in fire fighter personal protective equipment.  Because exposure can cause serious health problems, fire fighters should know what is in their turnout gear - helmets, coats, boots, pants, means of eye protection, gloves, and protective hoods; self-contained breathing apparatus with integrated personal alert safety system devices; and radio communications equipment. 

Senator Scott Webster filed a bill that would require manufacturers and persons selling fire fighter personal protective equipment to provide written notice to the purchaser at the time of sale if the equipment contains intentionally added perfluoroalkyl or polyfluorinated substances, otherwise called PFAS.  The written notice would include a product label along with the reason the substance was added to the equipment.  Furthermore, the seller and purchaser of the equipment shall each retain a copy of the written notice for at least three years from the date of sale.

The attorney general, a city attorney, or a county attorney can request copies of the written notice.  If the seller or manufacturer does not provide the notice within 60 days, the entity can be given a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000.

What you can do - This bill has been assigned to a state government subcommittee.  Ask scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov , tony.bisignano@legis.iowa.gov , waylon.brown@legis.iowa.gov to support SF2033 and the notification of PFAS in fire fighter personal protective equipment.