HANOVER, Pa. (WHTM) — A new law in Pennsylvania bans forever chemicals in the foam firefighters use, and grant money is available to help first responders through the transition.
The law is a combination of two bills that were in the works this session, the other being Senate Bill 980. Stephanie Wein with PennEnvironment was advocating for the legislation. She says the bills were combined in a procedural move. The new law bans different toxins in both medical supplies and firefighting foam.
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The bipartisan effort is aimed at protecting firefighters and drinking water across the state.
Hanover Area Fire and Rescue switched over to a greener option for firefighting foam in 2022 due to an insurance company requirement.
“The foam creates a film over top of the burning liquid that film disintegrates quicker now than the old foam did,” Chief Tony Clousher said. “So we’re using more.”
Now all Pennsylvania fire companies will have to go through the transition.
A newly signed law bans the use of Class B firefighting foam containing PFAs starting in 2028. It’s illegal to make or sell it starting in July 2027.
“We spent a little over $4,000 disposing of the old foam and another $25,000 to replace everything that we had,” Clousher said.
Senate Bill 804 outlines grant money that can be awarded to fire companies for getting rid of their unused, soon-to-be-banned foam and for buying foam that doesn’t contain intentionally added PFAs chemicals.
“When I learned that some products used to treat patients and protect firefighters contained harmful chemicals, and that effective alternatives were available, I knew we needed to act,” bill sponsor Sen. Lisa M. Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton) said. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues and Governor Shapiro to turn that concern into action. Reducing these exposures and protecting our drinking water is a big step toward a healthier Pennsylvania for everyone.”
“Compared to other emergency responders, firefighters can face significantly higher levels of PFAS exposure, putting them on the front lines of this national public health challenge,” Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Tioga/Union), sponsor of companion Senate Bill 980, said. “This is a commonsense response that will undoubtedly protect firefighters moving forward, while also safeguarding our ground and surface water from contamination.”
Stephanie Wein with PennEnvironment says even small amounts of forever chemicals can cause health issues.
“It’s linked to thyroid cancer as well as kidney problems and rare kidney cancers,” Wein said. “It’s linked to immune suppression. So harming your body’s ability to fight off infections. Also, complications with our reproductive system, whether that’s fertility or also links to preeclampsia.”
Hanover Deputy Fire Chief Joe Wysocki says it’s about putting first responders and the community first.
“The IAF is actually claiming 75% of all line-of-duty deaths recently have been attributed to cancers,” Wysocki said.
Manufacturers can face civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for a second offense.
Money collected goes toward fire company and emergency medical services grant programs.
Some facilities are exempt under this law, like airports, chemical plants and oil refineries. The new law does have requirements for firefighter protective equipment as well.
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