Recent developments in Lombardy have raised concerns regarding the safety of firefighters and the use of PFAS in their uniforms. Paola Pollini, a regional councilor for the Five Star Movement, has presented an interpellation calling for a transition to PFAS-free gear, as these substances are toxic and carcinogenic. Pollini highlighted that the current uniforms contain materials such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, which contribute to significant environmental contamination. In her interpellation titled “Workplace Safety of Firefighters and Exposure to PFAS,” Pollini urged the Lombardy Region to implement a biomonitoring program and ensure the health of operators through the adoption of alternative materials that are already available. The councilor expressed dissatisfaction with the regional administration’s sluggishness in addressing these issues, emphasizing that other Italian regions have already initiated similar initiatives. Italian Version
Firefighter safety in Lombardy: the PFAS issue to address
