Introduced in April by state Rep Brian Munroe (D- Warminster) and with bipartisan support The PA House of Representatives last week made strides against exposure to toxic “forever chemicals” found in firefighting foam seeking to protect first responders.
House Bill 1261, sponsored by Munroe, D-Bucks, a former firefighter, police officer and Navy veteran, passed the House by unanimous vote. It would prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firefighting foam that contains toxic PFAS chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl manmade substances that have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including cancer.
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These health issues affect the communities where PFAS-containing firefighting foam has leeched into the ground and water supplies. Firefighters exposed to protective gear containing PFAS chemicals have also been reported to experience significant long-term health issues.
Munroe represents a region that is among the most heavily affected by PFAS contamination because of heavy use at former and active military bases in his legislative district, notably the former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster and nearby Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, offficials say.
“The residents of Bucks County and other areas surrounding military bases have been waiting long enough for an active solution to this issue,” said Munroe. “While we’ve managed to mitigate or control exposure around decommissioned bases and airfields, it’s important that we stop continued contamination around active ones.
“Effective PFAS-free foams are available and are just as cost-effective and reliable at combating fire. They’ve already become the standard for the U.S. Department of Defense and for our local fire departments – now, hopefully, they’ll become the standard in Pennsylvania.”
Lower Bucks County lawmakers, K.C Tomlinson (R-Bensalem,) Tina Davis (D Bristol) and Perry Warren (D- Lower/Upper Makefield, Morrisville) cosponsored the measure.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.