Gilroy upgrading fire crews with PFAS-free fire gear

GILROY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The city of Gilroy is looking to upgrade current fire gear with PFAS-fabric for firefighters to PFAS-free fire gear.

The new turnout gear firefighters wear has been made with Per-and-polyfluoroalkyl or PFAS substances to help treat the fabric and block heat and moisture.

Yet, after studies have shown that PFAS have contributed to an increase in cancer among firefighters, the city is hoping to do away with them entirely.

90 sets of the PFAS-free gear will be replaced with the 45 fire personnel getting a primary and backup set.

The purchase, if approved, will be bought using the General Fund balance.