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New rules for firefighting foam containing PFAS

Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy of Michigan

Michigan firefighters have new rules for when they use firefighting foam containing industrial chemicals known as PFAS. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation this week that requires local fire departments not to use PFAS in training drills and to report any other use of the firefighting foam within 48 hours.   

Jeff Roberts is the president of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs.   

“It does add another layer.  But I don’t see it as a bad regulation.”

The new law also requires state regulators to create a program to collect firefighting foam concentrate containing intentionally added PFAS from local fire departments. 

Firefighters would have to be trained how to handle the chemicals.   

PFAS have been linked to serious health issues including cancer. 

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