CHELMSFORD — The Chelmsford Fire Department’s newest firefighter is believed to be the first to complete the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in a set of gear manufactured without PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that can increase firefighters’ risk of developing occupational cancer, said Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan.
Firefighter Alec Racioppi graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Career Recruit Training Program on December 20. He was one of 33 recruits from 17 local fire departments to complete the 10-week foundational course at the MFA’s Stow campus.
“We’re very proud of Alec and excited to welcome him back to Chelmsford,” said Chief Ryan.
Like all recruits who train at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, Firefighter Racioppi studied and practiced for a wide range of emergencies from carbon monoxide leaks to vehicle crashes. He learned to handle and maintain self-contained breathing apparatus, hoses, and power tools. Through classroom instruction and practical exercises, he learned the science of fire behavior and modern fire suppression tactics from experienced firefighters who also serve as Academy instructors.
Unlike his fellow students, however, Firefighter Racioppi trained for and fought his first fires in turnout gear that does not contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These substances are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. PFAS are used in a variety of consumer products, as well as in most structural firefighting gear because of their ability to withstand high heat and repel penetration by water and oil. In recent years, they have been linked to increased cancer risk in humans, and cancer is the most common cause of death in the fire service.
So before he headed off to the Academy, the Chelmsford Fire Department issued Firefighter Racioppi a set of Morning Pride TAILS gear with a Stedair Clear moisture barrier that does not contain PFAS.
“This is an investment in firefighter health and safety,” said Chief Ryan. “As we come to learn more about PFAS in the fire service, it’s become clear that we’re all going to transition away from products that contain it. These men and women have signed up to do a dangerous, demanding job. Hazards are part of the job, but occupational cancer shouldn’t be one of them.”
On August 15, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed legislation that will phase out the use of PFAS in firefighting gear sold in Massachusetts.
Effective January 1, 2025, manufacturers and sellers of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing PFAS chemicals will be required to notify the purchaser that the equipment contains PFAS chemicals, the reason the equipment contains PFAS chemicals, and the specific PFAS chemicals in the product.
Effective January 1, 2027, manufacturers and sellers will be prohibited from knowingly selling gear containing PFAS chemicals or products that break down into PFAS chemicals that are intentionally added during manufacturing.
Firefighter Racioppi graduated with firefighters from Acton, Amesbury, Andover, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Dudley, Gardner, Hingham, Lexington, Littleton, Nantucket, Plainville, Weston, Wilmington, and Winchester. The 33 men and women have met the national standards of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
