A state lawmaker has proposed legislation that would require Ohio fire departments to stop training with foam believed to cause health problems.
The foam would still be used for extinguishing fires when necessary. But Rep. Brian Baldridge, R-Winchester, says it’s time to stop needlessly exposing firefighters to the group of chemicals called PFAS. PFAS are the compounds that the Dayton Fire Department formerly used during training at the city’s fire training center, 200 McFadden Ave. The foams have also been used at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
The city no longer uses PFAS-based foam during training exercises, a city spokeswoman said Wednesday.The foam is believed to have caused the contamination of the aquifer beneath the fire training center.The aquifer provides the city’s drinking water, and that of many other cities in Montgomery County.