Bill Overview
Title: To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, to authorize certain prizes for the development of non-PFAS-containing turnout gear, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to award cash and other prizes to recognize outstanding achievements in the development of personal protective firefighting equipment (e.g., turnout gear pants) that does not contain an intentionally added perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance, commonly known as PFAS. 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.
Sponsors: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8]
Target Audience
Population: Global population wearing PFAS-containing turnout gear
Estimated Size: 1100000
- The bill focuses on developing non-PFAS-containing firefighting equipment, specifically targeted at reducing health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
- PFAS are known to have adverse health effects, making this a public safety and health issue for firefighters who are primary users of turnout gear.
- Firefighters across the globe who use turnout gear are a direct target population as they are at risk of exposure to PFAS.
- Healthcare systems and public health organizations could also be affected as they interact with PFAS-related health issues.
Reasoning
- This policy will primarily impact a segment of the population involved with firefighting, including manufacturers of firefighting protective gear, firefighters, and indirectly, healthcare workers and their families.
- Considering the budgetary constraints, the immediate effect on a large scale may be limited, but there could be significant long-term benefits in terms of health savings.
- Firefighters and their families are at risk from PFAS exposure, so their Cantril wellbeing scores could improve noticeably with successful policy implementation.
- Manufacturers may feel pressure to innovate or face potential business challenges, leading to temporary lower wellbeing.
- Healthcare professionals might not see immediate changes but could benefit from reduced PFAS-related cases over time.
- Not everyone in the general population will be affected directly by this policy.
Simulated Interviews
Firefighter (California)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's about time we look for safer alternatives.
- Knowing that my gear will be safer in the future gives me peace of mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Firefighter equipment manufacturer (New York)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the upfront cost, but innovation was inevitable.
- Ultimately, it's good that we're phasing out harmful chemicals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Retired firefighter (Texas)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s too late for me, but I'm glad newer folks will be spared.
- This effort is needed to save lives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 1 |
Public health researcher (Ohio)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a significant advance for public health research.
- We need comprehensive data on PFAS alternatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Volunteer firefighter (Florida)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have concerns about my safety gear; this policy helps.
- I feel relieved knowing steps are being taken.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Healthcare worker (Oregon)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This indirectly supports my work by potentially reducing PFAS-related health issues.
- I'm optimistic about long-term health improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Firefighter spouse (Michigan)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring to know my spouse will have safer gear.
- I'm worried about whether this will increase costs for fire departments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Local government official (Illinois)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the safety benefits, but budget management is a concern.
- We'll have to find ways to make this economically sustainable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Firefighter currently in training (Georgia)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Entering the field, this is comforting to know.
- Happy to see the department is future-oriented.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Environmental lawyer (Virginia)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an important precedent for future chemical safety policies.
- I'm hopeful it will influence broader environmental reforms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The prize mechanism relies heavily on incentivizing private sector innovation, which can be variable in terms of participation and outcomes.
- Long-term environmental and health savings are dependent on successful transition away from PFAS in turnout gear and broader equipment.
- Interagency coordination is essential to track and assess environmental and health impacts effectively.