Bill aimed at protecting firefighters from PFAS passes US House

WASHINGTON, D.C., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Legislation intended to help protect firefighters from exposure to PFAS chemicals has passed the U.S. House and is on its way to President Biden.

If signed into law, the Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act would direct federal agencies to develop practices, training and educational programs to reduce, limit and prevent exposure to PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals."

The bill 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.

The legislation was led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12).

"Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities in Michigan and across the nation safe,” Senator Peters said.

“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.

“I’m proud to send the PFAS Act to the president’s desk to protect our frontline emergency responders from the dangerous effects of these forever chemicals, and further minimize the spread of PFAS in our environment and communities,” said Congresswoman Dingell.