Recently, Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) had a dialogue with policymakers on the importance of reusable PPE and federal funding support for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) filtration. The discussions took place during the second day of the Association’s 14th Annual Legislative Conference that was held in Washington, DC earlier in April.
During the 2023 Conference, representatives had already encouraged lawmakers to sign a letter urging the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study the benefits of reusable PPE and explore ways for increased adoption. Reusables make up for an estimated 10% of the U.S. market at the moment and increasing that figure would improve environmental protection, save money and enhance supply-chain security while helping to safeguard employee and patient safety.
Some types of PFAS have been linked to negatively influence health conditions and this has increased concerns and calls for the removal of PFAS from wastewater. Fabric manufacturers are now trying to find PFAS substitutes for garments. However, depending on how quickly substitutes are developed and put into service – and what types of PFAS are regulated – linen/uniform laundries have no alternative than to invest in expensive pre-treatment equipment
