Peters and Dingell bill to protect firefighters from hazardous PFAS chemicals becomes law
By Dave Herndon | Press & Guide | January 2, 2023
Read the full article by Dave Herndon (Press & Guide)
“Legislation led by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District) to help protect the health and safety of firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure has been signed into law. The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act directs federal agencies to develop best practices, training, and educational programs to reduce, limit and prevent exposure to PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not naturally break down. The bill would also require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop educational resources for firefighters on alternative foams and personal protective equipment that do not contain PFAS.
‘We need to protect firefighters and first responders from harmful PFAS substances in the line of duty,’ Peters said. ‘This new law will help the federal government ensure that our heroes are safe from these forever chemicals that continue to pose a threat to the health and safety of emergency responders in Michigan and across the country.’ Peters said. ‘This new law will help the federal government ensure that our heroes are safe from these forever chemicals that continue to pose a threat to the health and safety of emergency responders in Michigan and across the country.’
‘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 thank Senator Peters for his partnership in getting the PFAS Act over the finish line and President Biden for signing this into law to protect our frontline emergency responders from the dangerous effects of forever chemicals and minimize the spread of PFAS in our environment and communities.’
‘Firefighters are exposed to harmful PFAS chemicals when fighting fires, which could result in disastrous health consequences,’ said Kevin Sehlmeyer, State of Michigan Fire Marshal. ‘By leading this legislation, Senator Peters continues to show his clear commitment to protecting Michigan’s firefighters from PFAS exposure by providing resources to ensure these brave heroes, who risk their lives to keep our communities safe, are not unnecessarily put at risk in the line of duty.’
Emergency response teams are frequently exposed to harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams and personal protective equipment as they work to keep communities safe. PFAS substances have been linked to a number of health problems, including certain cancers.” …
This content provided by the PFAS Project.
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