Bauer’s bill to test firefighters for PFAS exposure signed into law by governor

Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed legislation to test firefighters for PFAS exposure into law. Authored by Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend), House Enrolled Act 1219 establishes a pilot program under the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to monitor the levels of toxic, man-made per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in the blood of 1,000 former and current Hoosier firefighters.

“This law and biomonitoring program are ultimately about protecting and serving those who protect and serve us,” Bauer said. “PFAS threaten the human and occupational health and safety of firefighters who are in contact with these chemicals while on the job at a higher rate than the general public. In recent years, we have begun to understand the negative health impacts these chemicals have on human health and the environment, which have been used since the 1950s. It's critical that government is responsive to the health and safety needs of those exposed to PFAS while on the job. Cancer is now the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters. Too many brave firefighters in South Bend, and across the state, have lost their lives to cancer. My hope is that the PFAS biomonitoring program will help our Hoosier firefighters understand the extent to which they've been exposed to PFAS, prevent future late-stage cancer diagnoses and empower more firefighters to have the long and healthy retirements they deserve.

“Thank you to my fellow lawmakers for helping shepherd this bill through the legislative process, and thank you to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Professional Firefighter Union of Indiana, the South Bend Fire Department and South Bend Fire Local 362 for supporting this legislation. It's been an honor to work on your behalf.”

The law goes into effect on July 1 of this year. The bill allows for the establishment of the PFAS Biomonitoring Fund which will allow individuals to donate in memory of a fallen fire service member in order to help provide funds for the program. The Department of Homeland Security has until 2027 to prepare a report summarizing the findings of the testing program and make recommendations for reducing PFAS exposure moving forward.