STATEHOUSE (Feb. 14, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives today voted unanimously to advance legislation co-authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) that would launch a biomonitoring pilot program to screen Hoosier firefighters for cancer-linked chemicals called PFAS.
Olthoff said firefighters are exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in their turnout gear and when they sweat the chemicals are absorbed in the skin. Also, PFAS are in the flame-retardant foam that firefighters use to extinguish fires, which are restricted to only limited uses. To determine PFAS levels and detect corresponding health implications associated with the chemicals, House Bill 1219 would establish a biomonitoring pilot program with the goal of collecting information from 1,000 past and present firefighters throughout the state.
"We know that due to the nature of their important work, firefighters are exposed to these harmful chemicals," Olthoff said. "What we don't have is a complete picture of the levels of PFAS in their bodies. Gathering this information will provide us opportunities to monitor those with concerning levels, track exposure trends, and make smart policy decisions that could save lives."
Olthoff said the testing would be non-invasive through a mouth swab or finger prick, and results and recommendations for decreasing PFAS levels and exposure would be reported to the state. According to the National Toxicology Program, PFAS can cause health issues, including increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, high cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, high blood pressure and preeclampsia in pregnancy. The chemicals can also cause decreased birth weight in infants and lower fertility.
Several firefighters voiced support for the legislative proposal, testifying in committee on the deaths of colleagues with rare forms of cancer. Others noted that while it may be too late to prevent a cancer diagnosis for themselves, it is still important that the next generation of firefighters be protected.
HB 1219 now heads to the Senate for consideration. To learn more and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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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.
