Firefighting community in Pennsylvania advocates for prohibiting harmful firefighting foams through new legislation
In a significant move towards public health and safety, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill aimed at reducing exposure to harmful "forever chemicals" found in firefighting foam. The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Brian Munroe (D-Bucks), proposes to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of PFAS-containing firefighting foam starting July 1, 2026, with a complete ban on its use beginning one year later [1][2][4].
The concern over PFAS stems from their link to serious health problems, including some cancers, thyroid disease, developmental delays in children, and other health conditions [3]. These chemicals are commonly found in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a fire-suppressing foam that has been most frequently discharged at military bases and airports during practice drills and emergencies, contaminating drinking water supplies [1][2].
The source of the PFAS contamination in Warminster and nearby Horsham can be traced back to discharges from the former Naval Air Warfare Center and practice drills using AFFF [4]. Firefighters, including battalion chief James Boyle, recall the widespread use of AFFF foam in the early 2000s and the disposal of the foam by pouring it down the drain [4]. Municipal firefighters also commonly used and practiced with AFFF, increasing their potential exposure to these harmful chemicals.
Unfortunately, the top cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters is cancer [5]. This has led to growing concerns about the health of firefighters, particularly those who have been exposed to PFAS-containing foams. For instance, Julie Cassidy, a Warminster resident for 20 years, unknowingly consumed toxic PFAS chemicals from her tap water, leading to her husband's death from leukemia cutis, although the exact cause could not be proven [4]. Neighbours of Julie Cassidy were diagnosed with brain tumors and cancers over the years.
The proposed legislation in Pennsylvania is not the only measure being taken to address PFAS exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency implemented regulations last year requiring water providers to test and treat "forever chemicals" to almost zero [1]. Additionally, the bill passed by the House requires warning labels on firefighters' gear containing PFAS [4].
Simultaneously, there is ongoing multidistrict litigation against manufacturers of PFAS-containing foams, with thousands of lawsuits active as of early 2025. Efforts to manage these lawsuits include agreements on site-identification procedures for locations contaminated by AFFF, focusing on airports and fire training centers [3][5].
As the legislation awaits a vote in the Pennsylvania Senate, efforts to reduce PFAS exposure and address its consequences continue. Several fire companies across the state have begun to transition away from AFFF, and the U.S. Department of Defense has also begun phasing out AFFF [1]. However, local wells remain contaminated with toxic PFAS nearly 40 years after AFFF was used to put out a tire fire in Sellersville, Bucks County in 1986 [4].
Today, residents like Julie Cassidy and Dustin Grow, a former military personnel stationed at the Willow Grove Air Reserve Station in Horsham, have higher-than-average levels of PFAS in their bloodstream [4]. As the fight against PFAS continues, it is crucial to prioritize the health and safety of our communities and those who protect us.
[1] https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/06/pennsylvania-house-unanimously-passes-bill-to-ban-toxic-firefighting-foam-containing-pfas-chemicals.html [2] https://www.inquirer.com/health/pfas-firefighting-foam-bill-pennsylvania-20220615.html [3] https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/06/pennsylvania-airports-and-military-bases-could-face-legal-action-over-toxic-firefighting-foam-contamination.html [4] https://www.phillyvoice.com/pennsylvania-house-passes-bill-ban-pfas-firefighting-foam/ [5] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fire/default.html
- The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards public health and safety by passing a bill to reduce exposure to harmful 'forever chemicals' in firefighting foam.
- The concerns over PFAS stem from their link to serious health problems, including some cancers, thyroid disease, developmental delays in children, and other medical-conditions.
- The legislation aims to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of PFAS-containing firefighting foam starting in 2026, with a complete ban on its use beginning a year later.
- Firefighters, particularly those who have been exposed to PFAS-containing foams, are at risk of cancer, which is the top cause of line-of-duty deaths among them.
- The proposed legislation in Pennsylvania is not the only measure being taken to address PFAS exposure; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has implemented regulations to test and treat these 'forever chemicals' in drinking water.
- Ongoing multidistrict litigation against manufacturers of PFAS-containing foams involves thousands of lawsuits, with agreements on site-identification procedures for locations contaminated by AFFF.
- The fight against PFAS continues as residents in Pennsylvania have higher-than-average levels of PFAS in their bloodstream, and local wells remain contaminated.
- It is crucial to prioritize the health and safety of our communities and those who protect us, as we strive for a healthier world in all aspects of 'lifestyle', including 'food-and-drink', 'home-and-garden', 'finance', 'business', 'technology', 'relationships', 'sports', and 'weather'.
