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firemarshal@dhs.in.govPFAS foam collection initiative signups now closed
IDHS and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) will discontinue collecting and disposing of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) foam from Indiana fire agencies as of December 2024. Departments had until Dec. 1 to sign up. All pickups must be completed by Dec. 30.
About the Foam Collection Program
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) launched a program to collect Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) foam from Indiana fire agencies. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, evidence has shown exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans.
The PFAS initiative focused on protecting firefighter safety. The state removed and properly disposed of PFAS material from any agency that requested it. This was a free service with no additional requirements for fire agencies.
In 2020, the Indiana General Assembly passed House Enrolled Act 1189, prohibiting the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS for training purposes (read relevant Indiana Code). The collection and disposal program allowed Indiana to protect Hoosier firefighters and the environment.
Minimizing exposure to Class B firefighting foam will have a big impact on the health of firefighters across Indiana.
PFAS Fact Sheets and Best Practices
More Information
Contact firemarshal@dhs.in.gov with questions.
