By Kristen Carosa, WMUR:
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., has introduced new legislation to investigate the cancer risks of industrial chemicals commonly used in firefighters’ gear.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been found in the water around Pease Air National Guard Base and in towns surrounding Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics in Merrimack.
There is now concern that the use of PFAS in firefighters’ gear could be harmful.
“We are seeing a high number of cancer cases in firefighters and we are trying to figure out what the cause is of that, and there is real concern it is those PFAS chemicals in firefighting protective gear,” Shaheen said.
Shaheen’s bill would request that more investigation be done into the potential risks of exposure to PFAS chemicals.
Read the full story here.