Governor Kathy Hochul announced efforts to protect New York’s firefighters from cancer risks linked to toxic exposure during fires, emphasizing new protocols and legislation to ban PFAS-containing gear by 2028. Studies show firefighters face higher cancer rates due to harmful chemicals in smoke and outdated protective equipment.
The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control provides training on decontamination procedures, including on-site cleaning, post-fire sanitation, and gear maintenance. Since 2023, over 1,100 fire stations have received decontamination kits, reducing toxin exposure for firefighters and their families.
Officials stress that awareness and simple protective measures can significantly decrease exposure risks, with expanded cancer prevention education now part of statewide firefighting programs.
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