Lawmakers have reintroduced legislation which helps protect firefighters from PFAS and other dangerous chemicals.

The Protect Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act was introduced in the Senate last week by Sen. Gary Peters, D- Bloomfield Township, and other lawmakers. The Act was also introduced in the last Congress and was passed by the Senate, but didn’t pass the House.

Under the new bill, federal agencies will have to develop training and best practices to limit exposure to PFAS in fire departments across the U.S.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are contaminants that can cause health concerns such as thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancers as well as higher levels of cholesterol. According to the EPA, the substance can be found in stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products, polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products and fire-fighting foams.

At the federal level, officials are focusing on ways to remove the contaminants from water supplies and other areas where they can cause harm to people.

“Protecting firefighters from harmful exposure to dangerous PFAS chemicals is the least we can do for these heroes who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” Peters said in a statement. “I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill that will help protect the health and safety of first responders by limiting their exposure to these harmful chemicals in the line of duty.”

The recently-relaunched PFAS Congressional Task Force, a bipartisan group of lawmakers focusing on PFAS-treatment legislation, also plans on pressuring environmental officials in the administration of President Joe Biden to enact a national clean drinking water standard.

For firefighters, exposure while responding to emergencies is something that occurred, particularly in previous years before the dangers were well known.

“I thank Senator Peters for his continued leadership on the PFAS Act,” said Chief Richard R. Carrizzo, the President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

“As we learn more about PFAS, it is important for fire departments to adopt policies to reduce firefighters’ and the general public’s exposure. This legislation will develop helpful guidance that local fire departments can use. I welcome the PFAS Act’s reintroduction and urge Congress to pass it as soon as possible.”