Wisconsin Public Radio reported that some of the state’s fire departments have stopped using certain firefighting foam which contains chemicals that have been linked to increased cholesterol, cancer risks, and other health issues.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been found in the state’s groundwater and are also in products like nonstick pans.

The Madison Fire Department switched to fluorine-free foam in December of last year. Tests from the University of Notre Dame say that the new foam they are using has a fluorine level of one part per million, compared to old foams with fluorine levels of 5,000 to 7,000 ppm according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

“I don’t feel safe with our firefighters being exposed to those products,” Madison Fire Chief Steven Davis said.

He has environmental concerns about the product too, as large amounts of chemicals were found in stormwater runoff after the American Transmission Co. substation fire in Madison last July. To put out that fire firefighters needed about 40 gallons of the old foam concentrate. He said that with the new foam, they would need about 50 to 60 gallons.

Peter O’Leary, the Fond du Lac fire chief, said he decided to stop using these foams after a concerned water utility supervisor told him about the harmful chemicals.

“It serves a purpose to us in extinguishing fires, but if the greater good is not using it, is better for the environment and longer-term health problems for people, we’re not gonna be a part of something like that,” O’Leary said.

State lawmakers may consider a bill to partially ban firefighting foams that contain these harmful chemicals.

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