Assemblymembers Harabedian and Haney Fight for Firefighter Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 16, 2025

CONTACT: Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov; 530.713.7783

Assemblymembers Harabedian and Haney Fight for Firefighter Health 

AB 1181 Keeps Firefighters Safe, On and Off the Frontlines

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) joined Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) in a press conference at Pasadena Fire Station #34 to promote AB 1181. 

AB 1181 would require firefighter personal protective equipment to avoid the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). PFAs pose many health risks to users over prolonged periods of time, and firefighters are routinely exposed to these toxic substances when serving the community.

“I am proud to be a joint author on AB 1181. After the Eaton Fire, I saw firsthand the courage and resilience of our firefighters. California is a fire state, and we rely on these heroes to fight for our communities. We owe it to them to make sure that the gear they wear to save lives isn't slowly giving them cancer,” said Assemblymember Harabedian. 

As California faces increasingly intense fire seasons, protecting the health of firefighters is critical. AB 1181 ensures that firefighters don’t have to worry about serious health issues as they serve our communities.

“Twenty years ago heart disease was the biggest threat to firefighter health. Today, cancer has replaced heart disease as the biggest killer of firefighters.” said Assemblymember Matt Haney. “Firefighters put their lives at risk every day on the front lines saving lives, responding to emergencies and taking care of the vulnerable. We have an obligation to ensure they are not exposed to cancer-causing chemicals from the very equipment designed to keep them safe.”

AB 1181 is currently going through the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement.

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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.