STATEHOUSE (March 27, 2023) – The Indiana Senate voted Monday in support of State Rep. Julie Olthoff's (R-Crown Point) legislation helping spread awareness about dangerous chemicals in firefighting gear that could cause cancer, sending the legislation to the governor where it could soon be signed into law.
PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are dubbed "forever chemicals" because they're nearly impossible to eliminate, and Olthoff said they are linked to various forms of cancer and other health conditions. Firefighter gear is made with PFAS for their heat- and moisture-resistant properties, but the chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, which could cause health issues.
Olthoff said House Enrolled Act 1341 would require departments to only purchase firefighter clothing and other gear if it contains a label stating whether or not it contains PFAS. This label would serve as a reminder to firefighters to limit their contact with the gear and store it in designated areas to reduce the risk of exposure to others.
"Having a label on firefighters' turnout gear indicating whether or not it contains PFAS will help spread awareness about their dangers and encourage manufacturers to choose alternative options when making turnout gear," Olthoff said. "Hoosier firefighters put their lives on the line for us every day and it's great to see Indiana doing more to support them."
This session, Olthoff also co-authored House Bill 1219 to screen Hoosier firefighters for PFAS to track exposure trends, monitor concerning levels and develop further policy solutions. The bill would create a biomonitoring pilot program with the goal of testing 1,000 past and present firefighters to detect PFAS levels through a mouth swab or finger prick, and results and recommendations would be reported to the state. This legislation is currently being considered in the Senate.
In 2020, Indiana lawmakers passed a law prohibiting firefighting foam containing PFAS from being used for training and testing purposes unless containment measures are in place. The state also operates a foam collection program and will remove and dispose of the substances for free from any agency that requests it.
To follow legislation considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch/.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
