# Understanding the PFAS Act

This bill is about protecting firefighters from harmful chemicals found in firefighting foam. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used for decades in firefighting foams because they're extremely effective at extinguishing fires. The problem is that these chemicals don't break down in the environment or in the human body, and they've been linked to serious health problems including cancer, liver damage, and immune system issues. Firefighters who regularly use this foam face significant exposure to these toxins.

The bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to create practical guidance and training materials for firefighters and emergency responders on how to protect themselves from PFAS exposure and how to prevent these chemicals from contaminating the environment. Within one year, the government must develop a curriculum teaching firefighters about safer alternatives to PFAS-containing foams, how to use protective equipment properly, and best practices for handling these materials. The bill also requires creating an online resource center where firefighters can access updated information about PFAS-free tools and equipment as they become available.

The guidance will be developed in consultation with firefighters themselves, environmental experts, health and safety scientists, equipment manufacturers, and communities that have already dealt with PFAS contamination from firefighting activities. Every three years, the government must review and update this guidance to reflect new scientific findings and better alternatives. Essentially, this bill acknowledges that firefighters have been unknowingly exposing themselves to toxic chemicals while doing their jobs and creates a system to educate them about the risks and provide them with safer options going forward.

PFAS Act

Dingell, Debbie

Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act or the PFAS Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. DHS shall make available a curriculum designed to <ul> <li> reduce and eliminate exposure to PFAS from firefighting foam and personal protective equipment (PPE);</li> <li> prevent the release of PFAS from firefighting foam into the environment; and </li> <li>educate firefighters and other emergency response personnel on foams and non-foam alternatives, PPE, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFAS.</li> </ul> The U.S. Fire Administration shall make recommendations to DHS on the content of the curriculum. DHS must create an online public repository containing tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.