NH House Passes SB 257, Bans Fire Fighting Foams Containing PFAS Chemicals

May 8, 2019

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD—Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed SB 257. The measure would prohibit the use of foams containing perfluoroalkyl chemicals in fighting fires.

Prime sponsor Senator Tom Sherman (D-Rye) released the following statement after the vote:

“On multiple levels, New Hampshire is working to address the risks posed by perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including contamination at the Pease Air Force Base where this exposure resulted from foam used for firefighting.

We know the people most directly impacted by the use of PFAS are fire fighters, who are exposed to the chemicals from their equipment impregnated with these compounds, from breathing in flame retardant materials that breakdown during a fire, and from the foam they use to put out chemical fires. I commend the New Hampshire House for passing SB 257 today, a bill critical to decreasing PFAS exposure for both our fire fighters and our environment.”

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