Kane County Reporter

State Representative Dan Ugaste of Geneva has voiced his approval following the passage of House Bill 2409, a legislative measure designed to enhance the safety of firefighting personnel in Illinois. The bill, supported by the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, received unanimous approval in the House and now advances to the Senate for further debate.

House Bill 2409 aims to ban the sale, manufacture, or distribution of firefighting personal protective equipment containing synthetic chemicals from January 2027. These chemicals are currently present in some firefighting gear and have been associated with health risks such as cancer, representing a significant occupational hazard for those in the fire service.

Representative Ugaste commented on the bill, stating, “I am proud to support this bill, and we must do everything we can to protect those who protect us.” He further emphasized the importance of updating the equipment used by firefighters and first responders to eliminate health hazards, adding, “This legislation will help reduce firefighters’ potential exposure to dangerous chemicals that can lead to serious illnesses or death.”

The proposal reflects a concerted effort to mitigate health risks faced by firefighters through legislative action, with the intended phase-out of hazardous chemicals specified to begin in 2027.