Austin city council voted to ban a known cancer-causing chemical found in some firefighter equipment, joining a slew of other cities and states recently making the same move. When it comes to responding to emergencies,

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin took steps Thursday to protect first responders by doing away with so-called 'forever chemicals' found in firefighter gear. City council members unanimously approved eliminating equipment and materials containing polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have long been used within fire turnout gear to increase its safety and performance, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

The Austin City Council wants to ban the use of so-called forever chemicals in firefighting equipment. Why it matters: There's growing concern over a class of chemicals collectively known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),