On Feb. 19, state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) introduced Senate Bill 1044 to ban the sale and use of dangerous chemicals found in firefighting foams. These chemicals, known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or “PFAS” chemicals, do not break down once introduced into the environment – the reason that they are widely referred to as “forever chemicals.”

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to defend our communities and we know that with climate change, they will face even greater risks as wildfires worsen. We cannot stand by and allow them to face increased exposure to toxic chemicals that can be easily and affordably replaced,” Allen said. “We must act quickly to protect firefighters from this unnecessary hazard. And as our communities brace themselves for ongoing fire risk, we must shield them from even further damage from drinking water contamination.”

PFAS constitute a large class of man-made chemicals used widely in industrial processes and consumer products such as non-stick cookware and food packaging, clothing, carpets, cosmetics and even certain types of firefighting foam. They have been linked to numerous chronic health hazards, including delayed puberty, infertility, liver and kidney damage, immune system toxicity and cancer.

National drinking water monitoring several years ago revealed contamination by four PFAS in 28 public water systems in California that serve approximately 3.5 million people. California testing re­veals the contamination is much more widespread in terms of locations and number of chemicals. PFAS have been detected in the blood of over 98% of Americans tested.

Similar legislation has been passed in Washington, Colorado, New Hampshire and New York.