# Understanding the PFAS Registry Act of 2023

Military bases have used a special firefighting foam called AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) for decades to fight fuel fires and explosions. The problem is that this foam contains chemicals called PFAS—"forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment or in your body. These chemicals have leaked into the soil and groundwater around military installations, potentially exposing service members, veterans, and their families to contamination.

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to create and maintain a registry—basically a database—of military personnel and veterans who may have been exposed to PFAS through this firefighting foam. The registry needs to be set up within one year of the bill becoming law. The VA will work with the Department of Defense to collect health information about people who were stationed at bases where this foam was used, track any health problems that develop, and keep people informed about new discoveries regarding PFAS exposure and treatment options. The VA also has to run a public information campaign to let eligible people know the registry exists and how to sign up.

The bill also requires the VA to report back to Congress within two years with an assessment of how well they're tracking PFAS health effects and recommendations for better ways to help affected veterans. An independent scientific organization will prepare these reports to ensure they're objective. Every five years after that, the VA must review whether other chemicals used on military bases should be added to the registry as well.

Essentially, this bill creates a system to keep tabs on a specific group of people who may have been harmed by military operations and ensures they get information about their exposure and any health risks that emerge over time.

PFAS Registry Act of 2023

PFAS Registry Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a registry for current or past members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam at a military installation or other Department of Defense (DOD) location. Additionally, the VA must consult with DOD and the Environmental Protection Agency to make recommendations for additional chemicals that should be included in the registry.