- Congress has put pressure on the Defense Department to eliminate PFAS
- But the Defense Department argues that PFAS is essential to its equipment, weapons and vehicles
- READ MORE: Minnesota poised to become first US state to ban ‘chemicals forever’
The Pentagon has warned that sweeping bans aimed at removing harmful chemicals from everyday items could threaten U.S. national security.
Regulators across the country are proposing a ban on PFAS chemicals — sometimes known as “forever chemicals” — which are found in thousands of products and have been linked to cancer and infertility.
The Department of Defense (DoD) relies on thousands of weapons and products such as uniforms, batteries and microelectronics that contain PFAS, it said.
In a report quietly submitted to Congress in August, the Defense Department said: “Losing access to PFAS due to overbroad regulations or sharp market declines would have a major impact on national security and the ability of the Department of Defense to accomplish its mission. “
PFAS chemicals are used in coatings for uniforms to make them water-repellent, in brake fluids for airplanes and helicopters, in wire and cable insulation in submarines, and in missiles to improve the performance and stability of explosives
The report added that the chemicals are “critically important” to maintaining technology and items that ensure “military readiness and sustainability.”
Microelectronic chips, lithium-ion batteries, helicopters, torpedoes and tanks all contain PFAS chemicals, as do shoes, tents and duffel bags.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated substances, are man-made chemicals found in many everyday items because they make things non-stick, waterproof, and oil-resistant.
They are linked to several long-term health problems, including various types of cancer, as well as low birth weight, thyroid problems and developmental delays in children.
Military personnel may be at higher risk since the Defense Department began using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS to extinguish certain types of fires.
AFFF is a fire retardant foam that is highly effective but is now known to be toxic to humans.
The release of these chemicals into the environment also led to PFAS-contaminated water around military bases.
Thousands of firefighters and military personnel have sued manufacturing companies over fears they were exposed to the forever-dangerous chemicals after discovering higher-than-average cancer rates among their ranks.
PFAS chemicals are used in coatings for uniforms to make them water-repellent, in brake fluids for airplanes and helicopters, in wire and cable insulation in submarines, and in missiles to improve the performance and stability of explosives.
A government study released in July showed a direct link between testicular cancer and PFOS, a type of PFAS chemical that has been detected in the blood of thousands of military personnel.
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed limits for chemicals in drinking water for the first time.
And under the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023, the Pentagon was directed to assess the spread of PFAS in military equipment.
The Defense Department said it would stop purchasing firefighting foam containing PFAS by the end of the year and phase it out completely by 2025.
By order of Congress, the foam was stopped being used in training in 2020.
The Defense Ministry said that while new naval ships are being built with alternative fire protection mechanisms such as water mist, their use is “limited.” [PFAS-containing systems] remains for those spaces where the alternatives are not appropriate.’
There is no alternative foam to replace for existing ships. The report states that “the safety and survivability of Navy vessels and crew” depends on the PFAS-based firefighting foam currently used until an effective alternative is found.