SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois firefighters will soon be protected by gear free of PFAS — toxic “forever chemicals” linked to cancer — under a new law signed by Gov. JBPritzker.

The Deputy Chief Pete Bendinelli PFAS PPE Act sets a 2027 deadline for phasing out gear containing the chemicals, which are commonly used for water and heat resistance.

Chuck Sullivan, president of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, said the law is a major step forward in protecting first responders from long-term health risks.

“Up until about 8 to 10 years ago, little did we know that our bunker gear actually contains extremely dangerous forever chemicals,” Sullivan told The Center Square. “We’re putting this on and taking this off 15 to 20 times a day. Cancer has become the leading cause of duty-rel

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