Firefighters and local residents in Pennsylvania unitedly push for a new law to prohibit the use of harmful firefighting foams
Firefighters in Pennsylvania and across the United States are facing a growing concern over their exposure to PFAS chemicals, a class of substances linked to serious health issues. A recent development in the state sees Pennsylvania lawmakers pushing to reduce PFAS exposure by banning firefighting foam that contains these harmful chemicals.
The top cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters is cancer, and exposure to PFAS increases their risk. PFAS have been linked to various health problems, including some cancers, thyroid disease, developmental delays in children, and other health conditions.
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), primarily used for extinguishing liquid fuel fires, has been most frequently discharged at military bases and airports during practice drills and emergencies. This foam, one of the most effective fire-suppressing foams due to its fuel resistance and ability to smother fires, has contaminated drinking water supplies across the Philadelphia region and the U.S., including in Pennsylvania.
In response, the U.S. Department of Defense has begun phasing out AFFF. However, the contamination persists, as seen in the case of Julie Cassidy, who lived in Warminster, Pennsylvania, for about 20 years and drank water from the tap that contained toxic PFAS chemicals. The source of the contamination in Cassidy's area was the discharge of firefighting foam at the former Naval Air Warfare Center, located a couple of miles from her house.
Cassidy has since moved out of the area but continues to drink bottled water due to mistrust in public drinking water. Neighbors on her small street were diagnosed with brain tumors and cancers over the years, and Cassidy's husband died after a battle with leukemia cutis. PFAS contamination was also found in drinking water supplies in nearby Horsham due to the use of firefighting foam at other military bases.
Local wells remain contaminated with toxic PFAS in Sellersville, Bucks County, nearly 40 years after AFFF was used to put out a tire fire. Accidental discharges at hangars have been common nationwide, causing concern for the environment.
In an effort to address this issue, the Pennsylvania House unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Brian Munroe that would ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of PFAS-containing firefighting foam starting July 1, 2026, with a ban on its use effective one year later. This bill currently awaits a vote in the Pennsylvania Senate.
The new legislation would also require warning labels on firefighters' gear containing PFAS. While several PFAS-free firefighting foams are available, some are not compatible with existing equipment and are less effective.
In addition to the ban on the foam, the House also unanimously passed a policy requiring labeling on firefighting gear containing PFAS, further indicating Pennsylvania's legislative push to reduce PFAS exposure from firefighting materials.
Fifteen states have already banned the usage of AFFF, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires water providers to test and treat "forever chemicals" to almost zero. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to weaken some of the rules regarding "forever chemicals".
Firefighters are anxious about their exposure to "forever chemicals" and worry they may have unknowingly exposed their loved ones. As the fight against PFAS contamination continues, these brave individuals are hoping for a safer future both on and off the job.
[1] https://www.inquirer.com/health/pfas-firefighting-foam-cancer-risk-20210324.html [2] https://www.phillyvoice.com/pfas-firefighting-foam-contamination-water-supplies-pennsylvania-military-bases/ [3] https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pennsylvania-house-unanimously-passes-legislation-to-ban-pfas-containing-firefighting-foam.html [4] https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pennsylvania-house-unanimously-passes-bill-requiring-labeling-on-pfas-containing-firefighting-gear.html
- The science community is shedding light on the dangerous health implications of PFAS chemicals, a class of substances linked to cancer and other medical conditions.
- In the realm of health and wellness, firefighters are facing a growing concern over their exposure to these harmful substances.
- Climate change and environmental science intersect in the discussion of PFAS contamination, as these chemicals have been found in drinking water supplies across the United States.
- The industry of firefighting, in particular, is under scrutiny due to the use of Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a foam linked to PFAS contamination.
- With the environment in mind, the shift towards PFAS-free firefighting foams is becoming increasingly important for the environmental science community.
- Finance plays a role as well, as retailers and businesses may face legal repercussions for selling products containing PFAS chemicals.
- Energy is another sector impacted, as these chemicals have been found in oil and gas production wastewater.
- Lifestyle changes may be necessary for individuals living in areas contaminated with PFAS chemicals, such as drinking bottled water instead of tap water.
- Food and drink industries are under pressure to ensure that their products are free of PFAS chemicals, as these contaminants have been found in various food sources.
- Investing in companies that prioritize the reduction of PFAS chemicals in their products or processes may prove to be a wise decision for those interested in personal finance and environmental sustainability.
- Home and garden stores may need to source alternative products for fire protection, given the ban on PFAS-containing firefighting foam.
- Businesses relying on cloud computing and data management services must be mindful of the potential for PFAS contamination in their operations, as these chemicals have been found in electronic waste.
- Sports fans concerned about sports-betting on basketball, travel plans, online shopping, and social media activity may find themselves interacting with fintech technologies that use data and cloud computing, potentially involving PFAS chemicals.
