Bill Overview
Title: PFAS Act
Description: This act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. 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. DHS shall make available a curriculum designed to reduce and eliminate exposure to PFAS from firefighting foam and personal protective equipment (PPE); prevent the release of PFAS from firefighting foam into the environment; and educate firefighters and other emergency response personnel on foams and non-foam alternatives, PPE, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFAS. The U.S. Fire Administration shall make recommendations to DHS as to the content of the curriculum. DHS must create an online public repository on tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.
Sponsors: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: Firefighters and emergency response personnel
Estimated Size: 150000
- PFAS substances are present in firefighting foams, which are widely used by firefighters globally. Firefighters are the primary target population.
- The health of firefighters is directly affected due to occupational exposure to PFAS, leading to potential adverse health effects such as cancer, hormonal disruptions, and more.
- While this legislation primarily targets firefighters, emergency response personnel who may handle firefighting equipment containing PFAS are also included.
- Worldwide, firefighting is a large profession with hundreds of thousands of professionals potentially exposed.
- The legislation indirectly affects broader populations by focusing on reducing environmental contamination from PFAS, impacting communities around firefighting activities.
Reasoning
- The primary target group for this policy is firefighters and emergency response personnel due to their direct exposure to PFAS.
- Since PFAS are also released into the environment, communities near areas of frequent firefighting may also benefit from reduced contamination, though less directly.
- Firefighting is a large profession, but the budget constraints mean that not all firefighters can experience immediate changes; thus, the benefits may gradually increase over the years.
- Individuals who may use products containing PFAS, such as non-stick cookware, could indirectly experience benefits through better regulations, but this effect is expected to be minimal compared to direct occupational exposure.
- Large-scale information campaigns can raise awareness, but the impact on wellbeing would be medium initially and gradually increasing as more personnel are trained and aware of the protective measures.
Simulated Interviews
Firefighter (New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the long-term health impacts of the chemicals we are exposed to.
- This policy could make a significant change if it really helps us reduce exposure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Emergency Medical Technician (California)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals is extremely important for us in emergency services.
- It's good to see there are steps being taken to protect our health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Volunteer Firefighter (Texas)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a volunteer firefighter, having the right guidance on safety is crucial.
- Anything that helps us stay safe while volunteering is greatly appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Firefighter (Florida)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need more training on how to handle these dangerous chemicals.
- This policy sounds like a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Retired Fire Chief (Illinois)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's about time these safety measures are put in place.
- I hope my former colleagues benefit from these changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Firefighter Trainee (Colorado)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm new, but I've heard from veterans about risks associated with firefighting foams.
- This policy might help people like me feel safer in this career.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Washington)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although not directly affected, any policy reducing chemical exposure benefits everyone.
- As an environmentalist, I'm relieved to see action being taken.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Firefighter (Ohio)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Health issues have made me realize the risks of our job.
- The policy might help future firefighters avoid the issues I'm facing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 1 |
Paramedic (Oregon)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We're often overlooked in these policies, even though we work closely with firefighters.
- It's good to include us in educational materials and protections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Firefighter (Michigan)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Community and firefighter safety should go hand in hand.
- Educational programs could be very beneficial for us and the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $48000000 (Low: $28000000, High: $68000000)
Year 3: $46000000 (Low: $26000000, High: $66000000)
Year 5: $44000000 (Low: $24000000, High: $64000000)
Year 10: $42000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $62000000)
Year 100: $42000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $62000000)
Key Considerations
- Balancing immediate costs against long-term savings and health benefits.
- The necessity to implement immediate actions for firefighter health and environmental protection, even if initial costs are substantial.
- Potential regulatory challenges or opposition from organizations with existing investments in PFAS products.