Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025 PFAS | FROM Page 4 Two key agencies will oversee projects under this act. The U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will manage the distribution of grants to qualifi ed organizations. Meanwhile, EPA will offer scientific expertise on PFAS-free alternatives and collaborate with manufacturers, researchers, and other stakeholders to identify and evaluate safer options. While the act represents an important step toward safeguarding firefighter health, it does not provide direct fi - nancial support to fi re departments for purchasing the new gear, nor does it establish a clear timeline for phasing out the current PFAS-containing equipment. Action Against PFAS in Massachusetts In response to growing concerns on PFAS contamination, Massachusetts appointed a dedicated task force to monitor PFAS levels in drinking water. The task force found that contamination exceeded the state’s imposed limit of 20 parts per trillion in 100 out of the 351 cities in Massachusetts. Notably, with the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit of 4 parts per trillion, it is likely that this limit is exceeded in far more cities. PFAS in this state are therefore not only a threat to fi refi ghters’ health and safety but also to the health of local communities. The Massachusetts firefi ghting force counts 12,000 employees across the state. Cancer is among the leading causes of death in these groups, prompting action against the use of PFAS in the fi refi ghting service. Eff orts to ban PFAS in fi refighting gear and replace AFFF started as early as 2021, where in an advisory note issued by the government, all Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. Free Pickup & Towing. Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011. fi re departments in the state were advised to cease immediately using AFFF older than 2003 and use instead Fluorine-Free Foams (3F) that were made available without restriction. AFFFs are now to be used only when life safety is at risk, and notice to personnel and local communities is to be provided. As of 2027, through the new Act to protect Massachusetts public health from PFAS (S.1356 & H.2197), companies manufacturing and/or selling personal protective equipment for fi refi ghters will not be allowed to knowingly sell gear containing PFAS, or equipment for which natural degradation processes may result in PFAS. Considering these aspects, it can be argued that although the PFAS Alternatives Act marks an essential step in addressing the harmful impact of PFAS on a country level, states may be able to act more effi ciently towards this goal. About the Author Jonathan Sharp serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., where he oversees case assessments, fi nancial evaluations, and asset management. Based in Birmingham, AL, the fi rm provides legal support to individuals aff ected by toxic exposure, with a primary focus on both civilian and military fi refi ghters. RevereTV Spotlight G et ready for Flavors of Revere 2025, which RevereTV covered on January 20 at Springhill Suites by Marriott at Revere Beach. This event celebrated the diversity of Revere, its vibrant restaurant community and the spirit of giving back. Attendees had the chance to sample delicious dishes from more than a dozen local restaurants. Proceeds from the event benefited Revere’s Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center. RTV’s short video coverage from last week is now posted to YouTube and playing daily on television for the next few weeks. In Episode 18 of “The Wave,” which is presented by the Revere Chamber of Commerce, host Chamber Executive Director Erica Porzio is joined by special guest Judie Vankooiman, the Chamber’s new Nonprofit Liaison and founder of “Those Who Can For Those In Need.” Together, they discuss recent and upcoming events organized by the Chamber, including Flavors of Revere and the 1st Annual North Suffolk County Nonprofit Job Resource Fair. You might notice Judie from another program on RevereTV. She is a longtime community member who submits her own monthly show to the Community Channel, “Life Issues with Judie Vankooiman.” “The Wave” will be playing daily for the month of January, and “Life Issues” airs on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Students from Northeast Metro Tech were back in the kitchen studio for another episode for season two of “Northeast Cooks.” Watch as these aspiring chefs walk you through making a classic Costa Rican dish, including sides! Follow along and recreate this fl avorful meal in your own kitchen. “Northeast Cooks” is posted to YouTube, where you can pause and play at your convenience, and it is replaying daily at various times on the Community Channel. RevereTV continues to cover at least one Revere High School basketball game each week, alternating between the Boys’ and Girls’ teams as they are scheduled at home. The most recent games now replaying on the Community Channel are the RHS Boys’ Basketball Team vs. Lynn Classical last week and the Girls’ Team against Chelsea from this week. All games replay on the Community Channel, which is channel 8 and 1072 on Comcast and 3 and 614 on RCN. The fi rst meeting streams and reco rdings went smoothly in the newly renovated City Council Chamber at City Hall. You might REVERETV | SEE Page 10
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