Bill seeks to reduce environmental impacts of firefighting foam

SB 6413, Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim), would ban the manufacture and sale of firefighting foam containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS). More information about these potentially harmful chemicals can be found here.

PFAS has been found to persist in the environment, including in drinking water, food, and within the human body. Some cities in Washington have faced costly cleanup of drinking water sources contaminated by these chemicals. The ban would be effective until July 1, 2020. Alternative foams are already available and used by some local fire authorities. The bill would also require sellers of firefighting gear using or contaminated by PFAS to notify the buyer. The Department of Ecology would be tasked with assisting local governments to avoid purchasing firefighting equipment with PFAS.

AWC supports this effort to protect the public health of city firefighters and residents from these potentially harmful chemicals.