House Bill Aims to Protect Firefighters From Chemicals Exposure

House members are introducing bipartisan legislation designed to protect firefighter and emergency response workers from exposure to toxic chemicals while on the job.

Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) are sponsoring a bill that would direct federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Homeland Security Department, to develop guidance and training to educate emergency response personnel about the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS.

The “forever chemicals” are found in many common products, including firefighting foam and protective gear, as well as drinking water.

The Senate passed S. 231, the “Protecting Firefighters ...