Read the full article by by Devon Mahieu (UpNorthLive)
“MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) — A U.S. Representative from Michigan has introduced new legislation that would ensure firefighters exposed to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals at military installations get the health care services needed through the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Currently, military firefighters that are exposed to firefighting foam containing PFAS are not guaranteed health care to respond to that exposure.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer as well as thyroid, kidney, liver, heart and reproductive problems.
Congressman Dan Kildee’s legislation would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create a safe standard for the gear firefighters use while fighting fires.
It would also allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to be used to clean up toxic PFAS chemicals ar firefighting training centers.
‘For decades, military firefighters have been exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals, which are known to be unsafe. Military firefighters are entitled to quality health care if they are exposed to PFAS chemicals,’ said Congressman Kildee. ‘Military firefighters are already facing so many hazards on the job and they shouldn’t be worried about toxic PFAS chemicals in their gear, which is supposed to protect them. I am proud to have worked with the International Association of Firefighters on this important legislation dealing with toxic PFAS chemicals’…”