Whereas the health and safety of firefighters across British Columbia are routinely compromised by exposure to Per-and-Polyfluoroalkyl Substances PFAS, through the use of PFAS-containing fire retardant foam and through dermal absorption from the water-repellent inner liner of their turnout bunker gear, particularly during periods of extreme heat and high physical exertion commonly experienced by firefighters in the line of duty; And whereas the City of Vancouver recently approved a one-time budget increase of 2.8 million to procure Per-and-Polyfluoroalkyl free PFAS-free bunker gear for all Vancouver Fire Rescue Services VFRS personnel, thereby becoming the first fire department in North America to transition to PFAS-free turnout gear to significantly reduce the health risks associated with PFAS exposure and the persistent nature and resistance to degradation of these forever chemicals in the environment and the human body: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the province of British Columbia to allocate provincial funds specifically for the procurement of PFAS-free bunker gear for all BC firefighters, to prioritize their health and safety while ensuring their gear meets the highest standards of protection and safety without the use of PFAS and exposure to the harmful effects of these forever chemicals, and work towards the introduction of alternatives to PFAS-containing fire retardant foam.
