Bill to monitor levels of toxic substances in firefighters moves to Indiana House floor

A bill to create a pilot program that monitors the levels of toxic, man-made Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) in the blood of 1,000 Indiana firefighters has moved to the House floor, according to State Rep. Maureen Bauer.

House Bill 1219 was approved unanimously by the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.

Through the program, experts from the Department of Homeland Security would collect and analyze blood samples of those who were or are currently firefighters and determine if there are corresponding health issues associated with elevated PFAS levels.  

The department would also collaborate with the Department of Environmental Management and the Indiana Department of Health on its efforts.

The program's findings must be submitted no later than July 1, 2027.

“We now know that PFAS are in the turnout gear and AFFF foam used to keep both firefighters and our communities safe," said Bauer. "Repeated exposure to PFAS can cause life-threatening health complications. Our firefighters deserve to know how the tools they use on the job are affecting their health. Offering firefighters the option to know their own blood PFAS levels could be the difference between early detection or a life-threatening diagnosis."

Read the full bill below: