PFAS found in firefighting foam, turnout gear, authorities say

Sep. 25—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Firefighters are reducing the use of fire suppression foam containing the toxic industrial compound PFAS until a safer alternative is found, authorities said.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been used in certain firefighting foams for decades and has been linked to various cancers in firefighters.

That includes cancer in the kidney, bladder, liver, breast and prostate.

Art Martynuska, Cambria County Emergency Management coordinator, said he is concerned.

"It's bad news stuff," he said. "It's not good."

Robert Heffelfinger, deputy fire chief for Richland Township Fire Department, knows the danger posed to firefighters. PFAS is not only in the foam but in turnout gear — coats, pants, helmets, boots and gloves.

He said his father Robert Heffelfinger Sr., 75, was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. He had been a full-time firefighter in Washington, D.C. The elder Heffelfinger also spent many years as a volunteer firefighter, his son said.

"They determined that it was associated with his firefighting career," Heffelfinger said. "It's a very serious issue, and it's real."

Though Martynuska said he is unaware of local firefighters suffering illness, the county is taking steps to limit exposure.

The county is replacing the foam used by the Special Hazard and Response Program (SHARP) team with "green" foam.

"We recognize the inherent danger, and we're trying to make a move to alleviate as much as we can," he said.

Consumers also are exposed to PFAS, studies show.

It can be found in cleaning products; water- resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas and tents; nonstick cookware; personal care products, such as shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup; stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.

It also is found in drinking water.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in March said it is planning to set legal limits to six toxic PFAS compounds that are found in drinking water.

The EPA expects to finalize the regulation by the end of the year.

Joel Landis, Somerset County Emergency Management Agency director, said most fire companies in the county use foam. There may be take-back programs available through manufacturers, but outside help is needed.

"We're looking for state and federal guidance on what to do next," he said.

In Harrisburg, SB 144, known as the Firefighting Foam Management Act, would restrict the use of "Class B" foam containing PFAS chemicals for training purposes beginning Jan. 1.

The bill would direct the state fire commissioner to assist fire companies on how to transition to firefighting foam that does not contain a PFAS chemical.

If approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, Pennsylvania would join Colorado, Kentucky, Virginia and Washington in banning the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam for training purposes.

Class A foam is used on common combustibles such as paper, wood and textiles. Class B foam is used on flammable liquids, such as gasoline.

Somerset firefighters do not use Class B foam containing PFAS for training, but use it for gasoline fires, Landis said.

Stoystown Volunteer fire Chief David Johnson said he is less worried because "we carry only class A foam."

Johnson also knows the possible risk of donning his turnout gear.

"I try not to think about it," he said. "But when you go into a fire with all the carcinogens, it's in the back of your mind.

"You try to take as much precaution as necessary," Johnson said.