Newton Firefighters Receive Non PFAS Turnout Gear

Delivery received just months after city approval of funds

NEWTON, MA (Feb. 11, 2026)) - Every firefighter in the Newton Fire Department has turnout gear made without the use of fluorinated chemicals.

On September 16, 2025, the department received 190 sets of non-PFAS turnout gear – well ahead of the deadline set by the PFAS Act. Signed into state law by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in August 2024, the PFAS Act prohibits the use of PFAS chemicals in fire gear beginning in 2027.

This milestone places Newton firefighters among the first in the nation to successfully transition away from turnout gear made using fluorinated chemicals. The department worked with protective gear manufacture Fire-Dex and textile innovator Milliken & Company to deliver the new gear.

“Firefighter safety extends beyond what we face on emergency scenes,” said Fire Chief Greg Gentile. “Although the science around PFAS is still evolving, taking proactive steps to reduce exposure is the responsible choice. This gear was independently tested for PFAS and remains fully NFPA compliant, so our firefighters are protected without compromise. We are grateful for the City of Newton's support and foresight in funding this important investment in firefighter safety

Until recently, non-fluorinated fabrics were available for outer shells and thermal liners but the moisture barrier – the middle layer of the turnout gear system – still relied on fluorochemicals for repellency and pathogen resistance. This was the missing piece for Newton: finding a moisture barrier that met NFPA standards without sacrificing weight, breathability or thermal protection.

The department chose Milliken Assure™, a non-PFAS moisture barrier developed by American manufacturer Milliken & Company, following the Newton City Council’s approval of a $1 million appropriation for essential safety gear last November.

Introduced in October 2024, Assure™ makes it possible for departments nationwide to purchase gear where all three layers meet performance expectations without the use of PFAS chemistry. To maximize comfort and mobility with the new non-PFAS system, Newton selected Fire-Dex AeroFlex™ turnouts, choosing the design for its breathability and lightweight performance.

Newton’s new turnout gear underwent rigorous performance and safety testing, is UL certified and meets both the current NFPA 1971-2018 standard and the NFPA 1971-2025 standard, which went into effect last spring.

Newton spans 18 square miles and ranks as the 11th largest city in Massachusetts. The city’s six fire stations responded to more than 12,130 emergencies in 2024 – underscoring the critical importance of reliable, non-PFAS gear.

Fire-Dex has worked with fire service leaders in Newton for eight years, building a trusted partnership rooted in respect and responsiveness to help keep firefighters safe. Together with Milliken, Fire-Dex has sustained a decade-long strategic collaboration that drives innovation through U.S.-based research and manufacturing.

About Milliken

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Fire-Dex

Fire-Dex is a family-owned, global leader in innovative PPE solutions for first responders and the fastest-growing manufacturer in the industry. Committed to the mission to “Serve Those Who Serve,” Fire-Dex has spent over 40 years focused on the head-to-toe protection of firefighters, offering turnout gear, gloves, boots, alternative PPE and more. Along with its sister company Gear Wash, which specializes in PPE care and maintenance, Fire-Dex provides trusted expertise to support the full lifecycle of protective gear. With a legacy of inventive thinking and state-of-the-art manufacturing, Fire-Dex continues to set new standards in safety, durability and innovation for first responders around the world. To learn more, visit www.firedex.com.