Foam Collection Program

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) are launching 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 focuses on protecting firefighter safety. The state will remove and properly dispose of PFAS material from any agency that requests it. This is 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 new collection and disposal program allows 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.

To better understand how much PFAS-containing AFFF firefighting foam is present in Indiana, all fire service organizations are asked to voluntarily complete the survey below. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and collaboration regarding this joint initiative.

Note: Only one representative from each fire agency should complete the survey. Do not complete the survey if you have submitted previously.

More Information

Contact firemarshal@dhs.in.gov with questions.

• Details about PFAS, new program
• EPA announces national strategy to confront PFAS pollution
• PFAS Foam Collection Initiative Poster (PDF)