As reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Indiana has enacted two new laws designed to reduce fire fighters’ exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals.
One of the laws establishes the Firefighter PFAS Biomonitoring Pilot Program to measure PFAS levels in fire fighters’ blood, while the second law mandates labeling for gear containing PFAS.
Tony Murray, president of the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana (PFFUI), highlighted the importance of these developments: “Knowing what level of PFAS we have absorbed into our bodies is just the first step, but it is an important one.
“We hope this will lead to earlier and more frequent cancer screenings. If we can catch cancer early, we can save lives.”
The Indiana General Assembly has allocated $200,000 to launch the Firefighter PFAS Biomonitoring Pilot Program.
So far, over 1,200 fire fighters have applied to participate, though the funding may not cover all applicants.
The PFFUI plans to advocate for additional funding in the upcoming legislative session to expand the program’s reach.
Dr. Dan Whu, Chief Medical Officer of the IAFF, emphasized the significance of monitoring PFAS exposure: “Fire fighters know that they are being exposed to PFAS during the course of their duties.
“Knowing their PFAS levels would allow fire fighters to share this information with their physicians, which would lead to any needed preventive or therapeutic interventions.”
A second Indiana law, which came into effect in June 2024, now requires all fire fighter gear containing PFAS to include a visible warning label.
This initiative is part of the PFFUI’s broader goal to transition fire departments away from PFAS-laden gear to PFAS-free alternatives.
Until the transition is complete, the labeling will serve as a critical step in protecting fire fighters.
By being aware of the presence of PFAS in their equipment, fire fighters can take additional precautions to reduce exposure.
These steps include limiting the use of turnout gear to necessary situations and ensuring that gear is not stored in living quarters or transported unprotected.
In addition to supporting the labeling law, the IAFF has released guidelines to help fire fighters minimize PFAS exposure while awaiting the transition to PFAS-free gear.
These recommendations encourage fire fighters to use protective equipment judiciously, avoid storing gear in firehouse living areas, and transport gear in sealed containers to prevent contamination.
Some manufacturers are already producing PFAS-free gear.
In response, five IAFF Locals in the U.S. and Canada are currently participating in a survey to trial these alternatives.
The IAFF survey will compare PFAS-free gear to existing gear, evaluating factors such as fit, performance, and comfort.
Indiana has introduced two new laws aimed at reducing fire fighters’ exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
One law creates a biomonitoring pilot program to assess PFAS levels in fire fighters’ blood, funded with an initial $200,000 appropriation.
The second law mandates labeling for gear containing PFAS.
Fire fighters are encouraged to take precautions to minimize exposure while waiting for a transition to PFAS-free gear.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFF) is also facilitating a survey to evaluate new PFAS-free alternatives currently being trialed by five IAFF Locals in the U.S. and Canada.
