Maine Public’s ‘Maine Calling’ Radio Call-In Show Features Discussion on PFAS in Firefighting

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, Maine Public’s call-in radio program “Maine Calling” featured a discussion on the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in and from firefighting.

PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are prevalent in firefighting foam, known as aqueous film-forming foam (or AFFF), and turnout gear — as well as in the land and water where AFFF has been used.

Inspired by Maine Morning Star’s in-depth series on the extent of this exposure in Maine, “Maine Calling” invited panelists to discuss how problematic this is, what needs to be done to reduce or eliminate PFAS from firefighting service — and how fire departments across the state are struggling with this challenge.

The panelists included Ogunquit fire chief Russ Osgood, who also serves as vice president of education with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Dr. Juditch Graber, associate professor of the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at Rutgers University’s School of Public Health, and retired fire chief and former Maine state senator David LaFountain.

You can listen to the full audio of the program here:

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