Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-Idaho) , Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) , and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) in leading nine of their colleagues to introduce the Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Alternatives Act of 2026, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support the development of next-generation PFAS-free turnout gear to better protect firefighters from the dangers of their work. The PFAS Alternatives Act would authorize $25 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2031 to support the development of new gear, plus an additional $2 million annually to support guidance and training. Firefighting has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogenic risk—the highest-level indication that an occupational exposure can cause cancer. Firefighters are exposed to a variety of carcinogens and toxic chemicals during and after responding to emergency events, including toxic combustion products like liquid, gas, diesel fuel, and particulate matter. Additionally, all three layers of firefighters’ protective clothing, also known as turnout gear, are coated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) , chemicals that release suspected carcinogens. “From Vermont to Idaho and everywhere in between, firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Their line of work is already hazardous enough without having to deal with toxic chemical exposure from the very gear meant to protect them,” said Senator Welch . “I’m proud to work across the aisle on this legislation to support investments into developing new, PFAS-free turnout gear that protects firefighters across the country.” “Utah’s firefighters shouldn’t have to worry that the gear designed to keep them safe could expose them to harmful chemicals,” said Senator Curtis . “This bipartisan legislation invests in the research needed to improve turnout gear, helping ensure firefighters have the proper protective equipment they deserve.” “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and too many suffer or lose their lives from cancers caused by toxic exposures on the job — including from harmful PFAS chemicals in their protective gear. Our firefighters shouldn’t have to worry that the gear designed to protect them is putting their health at risk,” said Senator Heinrich . “That’s why I’m leading legislation to invest in next-generation PFAS-free firefighting gear. Because we need to do more to protect the people who protect all of us.” Our firefighters put everything on the line to keep us safe, and it’s our job to make sure they are taken care of,” said Senator Fischer . “This bill gives us the resources for producing next-generation protective gear, free of PFAS chemicals, to protect the health and safety of firefighters in Nebraska and across the nation.” Grant recipients would have to demonstrate apt leadership, experience, and knowledge of the firefighting profession in their application. The bill provides an additional $2 million annually to train firefighters on best practices for reducing harmful exposures through training on proper wearing, cleaning, and caring of PFAS-free turnout gear. The PFAS Alternatives Act of 2026 aims to support the development of next-generation PFAS-free turnout gear for firefighters and better protect them from the dangers of their work. Specifically, the legislation would authorize a $25 million annual grant program from FY26-FY30 within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to research, develop, and test PFAS-free firefighter turnout gear. “The Professional Firefighters of Vermont are grateful for the enduring support of Senator Welch, who has always stood with us and supported issues that are important to our members. While we cannot control all aspects of the job, ensuring that the gear we are wearing is safe and free from toxic chemicals and compounds is paramount to our health. But our current gear is now the leading cause of cancer and other health-related issues among our members. Senator Welch understands that we already face enough dangers without having to worry about the gear we are wearing, and he’s committed to solving this crisis,” said Christopher Dube , President , Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont (PFFV) . “Senator Welch’s bipartisan PFAS Alternatives Act is a major step forward in our quest to ensure that our members are healthy. The PFFV are proud and honored to have Senator Welch help lead this charge to ensure our concerns are heard and make progress in developing gear that will not affect our health or contribute to cancers. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Senator Welch and Congress to ensure that this quest is met.” “The science is clear. Toxic PFAS chemicals are contributing to alarming rates of cancer in the fire service, and we must do everything we can to reduce fire fighters’ exposure to these carcinogens – including in the gear we wear that is supposed to keep us safe. The PFAS Alternatives Act will accelerate the development of next-generation, toxin-free gear, and make sure fire fighters – not corporate interests – are at the center of research into the products we rely on for our safety. The 366,000 members of the IAFF are proud to support this bipartisan legislation, and we thank Sens. Curtis, Welch, Fischer, and Heinrich for their leadership on this critical issue,” said Edward Kelly , General President , International Association of Fire Fighters . In addition to Senators Welch, Curtis, Heinrich, and Fischer, the legislation is supported in the Senate by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Sam Graves (R-MO-06). In the House, the legislation is also cosponsored by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15). This Congress, Senator Welch joined Sens. Heinrich and Fischer in cosponsoring the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act , bipartisan legislation that will expand health care coverage and benefits for first responders who become permanently disabled from service-related cancers and the families of those who pass away from these cancers. Learn more about the PFAS Alternatives Act of 2026 . Read and download the full text of the bill. ###