Image courtesy of Pioneer Fire Co. No. 1
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives made strides against exposure to toxic “forever chemicals” found in firefighting foam, which has affected local areas like the former Willow Grove Naval Base and its surrounding communities.
House Bill1261, prime sponsored by Rep. Brian Munroe, D-Bucks, a former firefighter, police officer and Navy veteran, passed the House by unanimous vote. It would prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firefighting foam that contains toxic PFAS chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl manmade substances that have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including cancer.
PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are manmade “forever chemicals” that have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including cancer.
These health issues affect the communities where PFAS-containing firefighting foam has been used and has leeched into the ground and water supplies, as well as firefighters wearing protective gear containing PFAS.
Munroe, himself a former firefighter and Navy veteran, represents a region that is among the most heavily affected by PFAS contamination because of heavy use at former and active military bases in his legislative district, notably the former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster and nearby Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove.
“The residents surrounding military bases have been waiting long enough for an active solution to this issue,” said Munroe. “While we’ve managed to mitigate or control exposure around decommissioned bases and airfields, it’s important that we stop continued contamination around active ones.
“PFAS-free foams are available and are already the standard for many fire departments in Pennsylvania," Munroe added. "We can and will help phase these chemicals out for good, while ensuring even the most challenging fires can still be extinguished.”
If approved, the bill would:
