City Council votes to ban "forever chemicals" in firefighting gear
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Firefighting foam has been found to have forever chemicals in it. Photo: Henning Kaiser/Picture Alliance via Getty Images
The Austin City Council wants to ban the use of so-called forever chemicals in firefighting equipment.
Why it matters: There's growing concern over a class of chemicals collectively known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been found in drinking water and are used extensively in firefighting foam and protective gear — as well as nonstick, water- and oil-repellent and fire-resistant consumer products.
- PFAS have been linked to cancer, immune and developmental damage in children and more, per an Environmental Protection Agency press release.
What's happening: In a unanimous vote Thursday, the council directed the city manager to implement a plan that phases out PFAS in firefighting equipment and materials, recommends options for the safe disposal of old equipment and provides testing to determine current PFAS levels for all firefighters.
What they're saying: "My hope is that with this resolution we can further empower their work and protect our city employees, especially those who run into danger when others run out," Council Member Mackenzie Kelly said Thursday.
- The Austin Firefighters Association also supports the move.
- "For years, firefighters have been exposed to these PFAS chemicals and didn't know it," Bob Nicks, president of the Austin Firefighters Association, told Fox 7 last month. "Now it's kind of becoming an emerging problem where we're starting to understand a little better of the issues, and we're trying to mitigate that."
Zoom in: The Austin Fire Department has already taken "significant steps" to eliminate PFAS in foam and protective gear, per the resolution.
- Last year, the department was awarded a $210,000 grant over two years to replace station fitness equipment and provide PFAS blood testing for members in the department.
- "AFD continues to work on removing and minimizing exposure to PFAS for all our members," fire department spokesperson Tara Long tells Axios.
Zoom out: Several cities and states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, have already taken steps to phase out PFAS in firefighting gear and foam.
Between the lines: At least 45% of U.S. tap water is estimated to be contaminated with PFAS chemicals, according to U.S. Geological Survey research published last summer.
- New federal regulations require water utilities to reduce forever chemical levels to near zero. And while Austin drinking water met the new standards, dozens of Texas cities reported surpassing the limits.
What's next: The Austin Fire Department will begin PFAS blood tests for over 150 firefighters this month, according to Long.