Jonah Flannagan || Issue 13 || February 19, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul is emphasizing the efforts of New York’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control to safeguard firefighters and their families during Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Studies indicate that firefighters face a higher risk of cancer compared to the general public, primarily due to their exposure to toxins in smoke. As part of the 2025 State of the State address, Governor Hochul announced new legislation to prohibit the sale of firefighter gear containing harmful chemicals known as PFAS in New York. This measure aims to ensure that firefighters have access to the safest protective equipment available. “Keeping our firefighters safe as they protect our communities is critical,” said Governor Hochul. “I will continue to ensure they have the equipment and resources they need to stay safe.” Additionally, New York is training firefighters on how to decontaminate their gear and minimize their exposure to carcinogens. Since 2022, over 3,200 firefighters have undergone this training. Decontamination practices, such as using wipes and showering after a fire, can reduce exposure to harmful substances by up to 85%. The state is providing decontamination kits to over 1,100 fire stations thus far and expanding training to include more cancer prevention education. Protecting firefighters from these health risks remains a top priority.
The Hudsonian 