12/2/22 - Bills Aims To Keep Firefighters Safer

Legislators pass legislation intended to help protect firefighters from exposure to PFAS chemicals.

WASHINGTON, D.C.,-- Legislation is headed to President Biden that would help protect firefighters from exposure to PFAS chemicals. 

The legislation was led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, both from Michigan. 

The Protecting Firefighters From Adverse Substances Act, would direct federal agencies to develop practices, training and educational programs to reduce, limit and prevent exposure to PFAS.  The measure would also require the Department of Homeland Security to develop educational resources for firefighters on alternative foams and personal protection equipment that doesn't contain PFAS.

Studies show firefighters have higher levels of PFAS in their blood than the average American.  It is linked to various health issues, including some kinds of cancer and reduces the effectiveness of some vaccines. 

Firefighters are exposed through their use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, called aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF.  Firefighters’ protective gear is also made with PFAS textile materials and treated with additional PFAS for water resistance, posing further risks to firefighters who wear it.

“This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will protect our heroes from harmful PFAS substances and minimize exposure to these dangerous chemicals that continue to harm residents and communities in Michigan and across the country,” Senator Peters said.

“Forever chemicals are an urgent public health threat, especially to our firefighters who are frequently exposed to harmful PFAS in firefighting foams and personal protective equipment as they work to keep us safe,” said Congresswoman Dingell.