Firefighting foams containing a class of chemicals linked to water pollution would face major new restrictions under a bill introduced in the Washington state House of Representatives.
Some polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl chemicals — known as PFAS — have turned up in state waterways and drinking-water wells, and surveys indicate they are present in the blood of most Americans. In humans, some of these chemicals pose health concerns that include elevated risks for kidney and testicular cancer. House Bill 2793 under consideration by the House Environment Committee would prohibit, as of 2020, a manufacturer from selling firefighting foams containing these chemicals, as well as protective gear that contains the chemicals.