Alaska firefighting departments must transition to PFAS-free fire-suppression foams by January 1 under a new law aimed at reducing health risks from these toxic chemicals.
Yereth Rosen reports for the Alaska Beacon.
In short:
- New legislation requires Alaska fire departments to switch to PFAS-free foams by January 1, 2025, due to health risks associated with PFAS chemicals.
- Rural villages will receive state reimbursements for safely disposing of PFAS-containing foams, ensuring they can comply with the law.
- The law passed with broad bipartisan support, highlighting significant public health and environmental concerns.
Key quote:
"We have worked for more than six years to pass this legislation with strong support from affected communities throughout Alaska, firefighters and health professionals."
— Pamela Miller, executive director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics
Why this matters:
Alaska's new law banning PFAS-laden firefighting foams is a big win for both health and the environment. It's a bold step forward in the fight against toxic chemicals, showing that even in the far north, the push for a cleaner, safer world is gaining ground. Read more: PFAS-free firefighting foams: Are they safer?
