18-06-2025
New gear received by East Providence firefighters has right chemical formula
EAST PROVIDENCE – In 2027 it will be illegal to distribute personal protective equipment for firefighting that contains certain toxic chemicals.
The ban passed in the General Assembly this spring and Gov. Dan McKee has already signed it.
On Tuesday, East Providence became the first city in the U.S. to equip all of its firefighters with protective coats and pants that comply with the law, officials say.
The materials in the 175 turnout ensembles produced jointly by Milliken and Fire-Dex do not contain certain synthetic fluorinated chemicals known widely by an abbreviation as "PFAS."
PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s, according to an April news release sent out by the Rhode Island Senate.
The PCAS chemicals have been linked to cancer and other health problems, lawmakers say.
East Providence fire Chief Michael Carey managed the procurement of the gear at a total cost of $658,000, or about $3,750 per unit, East Providence Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva said Tuesday.
The gear was paid for with money from the American Rescue Plan Act, the COVID-aid stimulus package passed in 2021.
"East Providence tries to lead the way in innovation," said DaSilva.
"It brings me great pride that Chief Carey led the charge on trying to get this to become a reality," he said.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: East Providence firefighters debut new protective gear
