Wednesday January 14, 2026 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Langford Fire Rescue is still researching turn-out gear manufacturers and to what degree their gear is PFAS-free.
PFAS chemicals have historically been used in turnout gear for their water and heat-resistant properties.
However, growing scientific evidence has linked PFAS exposure to increased cancer risk.
Firefighters already face elevated occupational cancer rates, and many cancers are recognized as presumptive under provincial legislation, meaning they are presumed to be work-related due to the nature of firefighting.
Getting the right gear:
“Some are free of the chemicals but not rated to be used for structural firefighting and others have had some quality control issues as they push to put a product out to market,” said Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey in a statement to Island Social Trends this week.
“It also then comes down to availability and how many departments are in the queue when the gear is available,” says Aubrey.
Still in the works:
“We remain committed to acquiring operational PFAS-free turnout gear for the safety of our members as soon as it is available and meets our operational needs,” says Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey.
Esquimalt gets gear:
Recently the Esquimalt Fire Department acquired a full complement of PFAS-free gear.
“I spoke with Esquimalt Fire Chief Matt Furlot,” says Aubrey.
“Esquimalt had an order in the queue and was able to get the gear when it first came available which is fortunate for them,” says the Langford fire chief.
IAFF:
“Member health and safety are non-negotiable,” states the International Association of Fire Fighters on their website.
In January 2023, the IAFF announced it had retained three nationally recognized tort law firms to assist the union in its effort to end fire fighter cancer and remove PFAS from use in the fire service.
“As more manufacturers advertise “PFAS-free” turnout gear, fire fighters and departments need clear, reliable information to separate marketing claims from proven safety,” says IAFF. They offer some guidelines for selecting PFAS-free gear.
About PFAS:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of human-made chemicals that are used as surfactants, lubricants and repellents for dirt, water and grease in a wide range of products. Examples of products they’re used in include:
- fire-fighting foams
- food packaging materials
- drugs
- including natural health products and non-prescription drugs
- medical devices
- cosmetics
- pesticides
- textiles
- carpets, furniture and clothing
- vehicles
- electronics
- paints, coatings and building materials
- cleaning products, waxes and polishes
PFAS and consumers:
Health Canada says that “most products available to consumers are not required to list ingredients on the label”, but recommends:
- Read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions. Labels on cosmetics, natural health products and non-prescription drugs must list all ingredients and instructions for use.
- Look for ingredient names for PFAS such as ‘perfluoro’.
===== RELATED:
- Esquimalt firefighters get PFAS-free turnout gear (January 6, 2026)
- Funding boost for west shore fire departments (March 14, 2025)
- Canada takes action on PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ (March 5, 2025)
- BC Greens seek fire department gear upgrade for better health protection (March 15, 2024)
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