The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act (PFAS)* was introduced in the Senate on February 4, 2021 by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), on behalf of himself and Senators Sullivan (R-AK), Hassan (D-NH), Tillis (R-NC), Carper (D-DE), Murkowski (R-AK), and Collins (R-ME). The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. *PFAS in this scenario stands for both the title of the bill (Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act), and the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are addressed in the Act. Moving forward, when discussed, PFAS will refer to the toxic chemicals. THE BILL: S. 231 What does this bill do? The goal of this bill is to prevent the release of and exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) specifically from firefighting foam, which is a common tool used for fire suppression. The bill would also develop and publish guidance for emergency response personnel, such as firefighters, to reduce their exposure to materials that contain PFAS. Specifically, this would be achieved by identifying and using alternative firefighting foams, personal protective equipment, and other tools that do not contain PFAS. These items would be uploaded to an online public repository and updated regularly for workers to limit their exposure to and the release of PFAS to the environment. Guidance will be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders including emergency response personnel, communities dealing with PFAS contamination, scientists, state fire marshals, and manufacturers of firefighting tools. Review of this guidance will be performed within 3 years of enactment, and every 2 years after that by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Why was it proposed? PFAS are human-made, toxic chemicals that are extremely difficult to break down and therefore persist both in the environment and in the body (1), leading to their nickname of the “forever chemicals.” There are more than 5,000 substances in this class of chemicals, and they are known for providing a grease- water- or stain- resistant barrier when applied to a product. They can be found in food, especially where the item was packaged in PFAS containing materials or grown in PFAS-contaminated water or soil. They can also be found in household products, such as non-stick products (Teflon), polishes, waxes, and cleaning products (2). PFAS can enter drinking water if it’s associated with a wastewater treatment plant, landfill, or firefighter training facility where PFAS is present. Specifically related to this bill, places where firefighter training occurs, such as airports and military bases, are a major source of groundwater contamination due to the fire fighting foams that are used (1). PFAS exposure can lead to adverse health effects in humans, such as reproductive and developmental issues, liver and kidney concerns, cancer, and thyroid hormone disruption (1). Currently, only a handful of states have adopted or proposed limits to PFAS in drinking water (3) Benefits According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 95% of the United States population has PFAS in their bodies, and therefore, any mitigation of PFAS in the environment is beneficial (4). Contaminated water is a main route of exposure to PFAS, and firefighting foam is one of the two main sources of PFAS contamination in water (5, 6). Therefore, federal legislation for developing alternative foams that do not contain PFAS would greatly reduce the amount of PFAS being released into the environment. Education and best practices for understanding PFAS and how to avoid it will aid in keeping it out of the environment long-term. Challenges PFAS are extremely difficult to break down in the environment. They can persist for decades, and be detected in substantial levels in blood for 8 years after exposure. This bill only addresses limiting or preventing PFAS from entering the environment in the future, but does not discuss cleanup of current PFAS in the environment, which will continue to pose major health concerns. This bill does not provide financial assistance required for building and maintaining the database and training efforts, so it is currently unclear who would be responsible for this, nor does it address the cost of identifying and shifting to equipment that does not contain PFAS. This bill is specifically geared towards PFAS release from firefighting foam and PPE. However, PFAS are found in many common items as well, such as food packaging, household items, non-stick cookware, and outdoor gear. Future legislation would need to address these concerns. Want to advocate? Does this bill resonate with you? Do you want to see them become a law? Have concerns or thoughts you would like to discuss? The Senate bill has six cosponsors: Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Sullivan (R-AK), Hassan (D-NH), Tillis (R-NC), Carper (D-DE), Murkowski (R-AK), and Collins (R-ME). Do you see your Congresspeople listed above? If not, you can email your policymakers by finding their emails at https://www.congress.gov/members?searchResultViewType=expanded or call their offices to voice your thoughts. Remember to use our Resources page for more information and guidance when reaching out! Additionally, if you are worried about PFAS in everyday items, consumers can contact brands to stop using PFAS in their products. Some larger companies like Ikea, H&M, and Crate & Barrel are already eliminating PFAS from their product lines, and others like Chipotle and Taco Bell have pledged to do so (3). The more people who speak out, the more likely change is to happen. Your voice matters! Footnotes
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