San Francisco has reached a historic milestone by becoming the largest city in the United States to fully equip its firefighters with protective gear free from cancer-causing chemicals. This major step marks years of work aimed at protecting the health and safety of the city’s fire personnel.
A Major Win for Firefighter Safety
Standing before dozens of recruits in new yellow-striped uniforms, Mayor Daniel Lurie and Fire Chief Dean Crispen praised the achievement during a press event at City Hall. Both leaders highlighted the importance of giving firefighters the safest gear possible.
“Our firefighters give this city their best, and we owe them nothing less in return,” Mayor Lurie said.
The Dangerous Past: Gear Filled With PFAS Chemicals
For decades, firefighters across the country unknowingly wore protective uniforms containing PFAS — toxic “forever chemicals” linked to cancer. These chemicals slowly entered their bodies over time and contributed to significantly higher cancer rates within the profession.
The CDC lists cancer as one of the leading causes of death among firefighters. In San Francisco alone, more than 400 firefighters have died from cancer since 2006, according to the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation.
Honoring Fallen Firefighters
Chief Crispen said this transition is not only about safety but also about honoring firefighters lost to cancer.
“We all have really dear friends that we’ve lost,” he said. “This is how we honor both our veteran members and the new generation of firefighters who deserve to begin their careers with the safest gear possible.”
New Gear Arrives Ahead of Schedule
SFFD has already received its first shipment of PFAS-free turnout gear, manufactured by Milliken & Company and Fire-Dex. The department expects all 1,100 sets — enough for every frontline firefighter — by the end of December.
The new equipment cost $3 million, funded by a $2.35 million FEMA grant and matching contributions from the fire department.
Investing in Health Beyond Gear
Earlier this year, the city also funded a $500,000 cancer screening program for firefighters to detect health issues early.
San Francisco Leads the Nation
In May 2024, the city passed an ordinance banning PFAS chemicals in firefighter turnout gear. This required all departments to switch to safer equipment by June 2026. San Francisco is completing the transition months ahead of the deadline.
California lawmakers are now following suit. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a statewide bill banning PFAS in firefighting gear, inspired by San Francisco’s leadership.
“Absolutely Possible,” Says Lawmaker
Assembly Member Matt Haney, who authored the statewide bill, said San Francisco proves that transitioning to safe gear is not only important but fully achievable.
“Nobody who goes out there every single day to protect us should be forced to wear gear that we know causes cancer,” Haney said. “That is unacceptable.”
Conclusion
San Francisco’s move to PFAS-free firefighter gear marks a major step toward healthier working conditions for those who risk their lives daily. By eliminating cancer-causing chemicals from their uniforms, the city is setting a powerful example for the nation. With state legislation now mirroring the city’s approach, California is moving closer to ensuring that all firefighters can work with safer, cleaner equipment. This shift is both a tribute to those who have been lost and a promise of protection for future generations.
