Some Wisconsin Fire Departments No Longer Using Certain Firefighting Foams
Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 -- 10:56 AM
(AP) -Some Wisconsin fire departments have stopped using firefighting foam that contains a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to increased cholesterol and cancer risk, among other health hazards.The Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contaminate Wisconsin’s groundwater and waterways, and are also found in products like nonstick pans, the Wisconsin Public Radio reported. In mid-December, the Madison Fire Department switched to fluorine-free foam. Tests at the University of Notre Dame found the new foam has fluorine levels of one part per million. That’s compared to foams with fluorine at levels of 5,000 to 7,000 ppm, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
It also has environmental concerns. After the American Transmission Co. substation fire in Madison in July, large amounts of chemicals were found in stormwater runoff, he said.
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