Letter of Support of Ban on PFAS in Firefighting Foam (HB 1261)

Dear Members of the Pennsylvania House,

On behalf of PennEnvironment and our citizen members, I am writing to ask you to support House Bill 1261, introduced by Representatives Brian Munroe and Zachary Mako. HB1261 would protect our communities and our first responders by phasing out dangerous PFAS (per- and poly- fluoro alkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals”) from firefighting foam. As effective alternatives now exist, it is time for Pennsylvania to follow the lead of the U.S. Department of Defense and states from New Hampshire to Alaska in banning PFAS in firefighting foam. We also support Amendment A-01259, introduced by Representative Michael Stender, regarding the gear labelling provisions of the bill and as well as empowering the fire commissioner to make grants for fire departments surrounding the storage, transportation & disposal of PFAS-containing foam.

The hazards of PFAS are well-established. PFAS are called  “forever chemicals” because they are nearly indestructible, and build  up in our bodies and in the environment over time. PFAS are now so ubiquitous that nearly every American has these chemicals in their body. Exposure to PFAS over time – even in small amounts  – causes significant health impacts. These substances have been linked to kidney cancer, thyroid disruption, immune suppression, reproductive issues and developmental issues, alongside other health problems. 

In part due to exposure to toxic PFAS, cancer is now the top cause of line-of-duty deaths amongst firefighters.  But exposure to PFAS doesn’t stop there.  As we’ve seen from Willow Grove in southeastern Pennsylvania to Emmaus in the Lehigh Valley to Moon Township in Allegheny County: where PFAS is used in firefighting foam, it can also wind up in the drinking water supply for nearby communities.  In some cases,  it only requires PFAS being used once to put out a fire to lead to long-term contamination: nearly 40 years after PFAS-containing fire fighting foam was used to put out a tire fire in Sellersville, Bucks County in 1986, local wells remain contaminated with toxic PFAS.

Given this, PennEnvironment hopes you will support HB 1261 as a critical step towards protecting  Pennsylvanians and the Commonwealth’s firefighters and vote “Yes” on this important proposal. Please don’t hesitate to  reach out with any questions you may have on this legislation or PFAS generally. 

Thank you for your careful consideration of this important issue.