Gillibrand pushes bill to ban toxic chemicals in firefighting foam

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing a bill to protect firefighters from toxic chemicals.

The PFAS Firefighter Protection Act would ban the use of harmful firefighting foam in the United States.

PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals found in a special foam used to fight fires. They have been linked to certain cancers and other serious health issues.

"Imagine being willing to risk your life and dive headlong into a fire to rescue innocent people, only to be poisoned by the very tools you use to protect yourself," said Gillibrand.

Congress already passed legislation to ban PFAS containing foam from commercial airports and military installations. This bill would ban the manufacturing, importation and sale of all firefighting foam containing the chemicals.