The Montreal Fire Department is actively taking measures to replace protective clothing identified as containing high levels of PFAS, after an analysis conducted by a research team at Université de Montréal for Radio-Canada’s investigative program Enquête revealed the health risk.
Certain firefighting trousers were found to contain up to 560 parts per billion of PFAS, exceeding the European Union’s proposed textile standard by over 20 times. Canada has yet to adopt similar regulations.
To address safety concerns, the fire department has earmarked funds for 477 new protective suits, commonly referred to as bunker gear. Currently, 200 suits are on order with expected delivery in 2024, while an additional 277 suits will follow in early 2025, contingent on supplier availability. This initiative will ensure that nearly 20% of Montreal’s 2,400 firefighters will soon have access to protective equipment with minimal levels of PFAS.
Additionally, the province is expected to include six new types of cancer to those listed by Quebec’s workplace health and safety board, allowing firefighters diagnosed with these conditions to bypass the requirement of proving a work-related connection.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
The latest environmental engineering news direct to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
The fire department is also working to improve record-keeping on equipment with expiration dates. Recent directives have been sent to all firefighters to document identification numbers or manufacture dates of helmets, gloves, and boots to ensure a current inventory is maintained for proactive replacement planning.
Reports from Enquête indicate that several hundred items within the department do not meet required safety standards.
Other Canadian cities, such as Vancouver, have already begun replacing outdated and potentially dangerous gear, while Halifax has implemented safety measures for existing equipment.
