Lawmakers look to ban firefighting foam

February 13, 2018 4:15 PM

Robyn Nance,

Posted: February 13, 2018 4:15 PM

Updated: May 14, 2021 2:00 PM

by Robyn Nance

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state Senate has voted to ban the sale of firefighting foam that contains certain chemicals.
The bill would ban the sale, manufacture or distribution of the foam in which chemicals known as PFAS are intentionally added.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl are the chemicals found in drinking water in Airway Heights near Fairchild Air Force base and have been detected near other military bases.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposures to PFAS chemicals are known to have a number of adverse effects in laboratory animals and humans.

The bill would also require sellers of personal firefighting equipment that contain the chemicals to notify those buyers.
Toxic-Free Future, a group backing the measure, says Washington state would be the first to ban the chemicals in firefighting foam if the Legislature passes the bill.

The Senate on Saturday passed Senate Bill 6413 on a 39-8 vote. It now heads to the House for consideration.