A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators introduced legislation to help protect the health and safety of firefighters and emergency responders from adverse substances.
The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act directs federal agencies to develop best practices, training, and educational programs to reduce and prevent exposure to adverse substances, also known as “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down. Also, the bill would require guidance to be issued on alternative foams and personal protective equipment that do not contain these adverse substances, also called PFAS. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tom Carper (D-DE) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are also original cosponsors of the bill.
“Protecting firefighters from harmful exposure to dangerous PFAS chemicals is the least we can do for these heroes who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” Sen. Gary Peters, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and one of the bill’s sponsors. “I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill that will help protect the health and safety of first responders by limiting their exposure to these harmful chemicals in the line of duty.”
The bill was co-sponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC). It was first introduced in the last Congress by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tom Carper (D-DE) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
“Our brave firefighters face a disproportionate exposure to certain harmful PFAS chemicals as they carry out their duty to their neighbors and communities,” Sullivan said. “We need to do more to prioritize the health and well-being of these selfless public servants, and this legislation in an important first step toward limiting PFAS exposure, employing safer practices, and finding responsible alternatives to these chemicals.”
Emergency response teams are frequently exposed to harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams and personal protective equipment. PFAS substances have been linked to a number of health problems, including certain cancers.
“Fire fighters and first responders risk their lives to keep our communities safe, and it is unacceptable that they are regularly exposed to dangerous PFAS chemicals in their firefighting equipment,” Hassan said. “I am proud to join in reintroducing this bipartisan legislation to protect the health and safety of our fire fighters and help ensure that they can serve our communities without having to worry about long-term harm from the gear that is supposed to protect them.”
The legislation has the support of the International Association of Firefighters, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the National Volunteer Fire Council, among other groups.
“Fire fighters have dedicated their lives to protecting others and keeping their communities safe. Unfortunately, these brave men and women are exposed to dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ while serving their communities, subjecting them to higher risks of cancer and other serious health effects,” Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said. “The IAFF supports measures to address these chemicals and commends Senators Peters for his continuous efforts to help protect fire fighters, emergency medical responders, and the communities they serve from unnecessary PFAS exposure.”