Firefighters are the backbone of public safety, as they bravely rush into danger to save lives. However, these heroes face a threat hidden in the very tools meant to protect them. Their protective clothing and firefighting foams — essential for their survival — harbor per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), hazardous compounds that pose devastating health risks. This contamination endangers not just firefighters but all communities. The introduction of the PFAS Alternatives Act in Congress offers a much-needed solution to eliminate PFAS from turnout gear and allow firefighters to keep doing their lifesaving work without compromising their health.

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” have long been a silent threat to firefighters across Maryland and the nation. These synthetic substances have been hailed for their water- and heat-resistant properties, which make them ideal for use in firefighting foam and turnout gear. Yet PFAS are also notorious for being highly persistent, which makes them hazardous. They don’t break down in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time.

Research has linked these harmful chemicals to a range of severe health conditions, including cancer, liver damage, immune system disruption, developmental delays in children and reproductive issues. With these findings, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned that no level of PFAS exposure is considered safe. This persistent concern demands decisive action to mitigate contamination and protect public health.

States across the country are grappling with the dangers of PFAS, and Maryland is no exception. The Old Line State is home to 261 registered fire departments with over 5,300 volunteer and career firefighters — many of whom serve high-risk areas like Baltimore. For decades, these first responders used PFAS-laden aqueous film-forming foam and turnout gear during training and emergency responses. As a result, significant chemical contamination has been detected in Maryland’s water resources, such as in Harford and Baltimore counties.

A 2021 report by the Maryland Department of Environment revealed that several sites in the state — particularly those near military bases, airports and firefighting training sites — have been polluted by PFAS. The department’s story map further highlights that 16% or 73 community water systems have chemical levels beyond the proposed regulatory limit of 4 parts per trillion. These findings underscore that PFAS contamination is indeed a state-wide concern, and the government here has taken proactive steps to address this problem.

In 2022, Maryland enacted the George “Walter” Taylor Act, which requires the disclosure of PFAS in manufactured turnout gear and prohibits the sale and use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam to protect firefighters and reduce environmental harm. The same restriction was also applied earlier to the production of food packaging, pesticides and personal care products.

These legislative actions prove Maryland’s commitment to lessening PFAS exposure across various sectors. However, they fall short of comprehensive reform and leave the state’s firefighters reliant on contaminated protective gear and outdated firefighting solutions. This is where breakthrough legislation becomes vital.

Congress’ PFAS Alternatives Act offers Maryland and its firefighters a safety net. This bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and other representatives in 2023 aims to eradicate toxic chemicals in turnout gear while accelerating the development of safer alternatives. It would allocate $25 million yearly, from fiscal years 2024 to 2028, for the research, advancement and rigorous testing of PFAS-free protective clothing that meets safety and performance standards.

In addition to this, the act would appropriate an annual grant of $2 million during the same fiscal years for training that will guide fire departments on the best practices and empower them to mitigate their risks while transitioning to non-toxic substitutes. The administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is likewise mandated to report progress within two years following approval of the law.

Passage of the PFAS Alternatives Act would represent a pivotal moment for Maryland, where firefighters have long borne the burden of exposure to the “forever chemicals.” It delivers not just hope but a tangible path forward that prioritizes the safety of first responders and addresses decades of environmental harm. But legislation alone cannot rewrite the future. Marylanders must demand swift action and relentless support from leaders to ensure this promise becomes a reality.

Jonathan Sharp is the chief financial officer of the Environmental Litigation Group P.C., a law firm in Birmingham, Alabama, dedicated to helping victims of toxic exposure.