The Alliance for Telomer Chemistry Stewardship (ATCS) — HB 158, House Commerce and Labor Committee

Summary

Testimony dated April 21st, 2021, to the House Commerce and Labor Committee from Shawn Swearingen, Director of the Alliance for Telomer Chemistry Stewardship (ATCS). ATCS describes itself as a global organization that advocates on behalf of C6 fluorotelomer-based products. It asks the Committee to pass HB 158, stating that the legislation preserves the ability to use C6 Fluorosurfactant-based foam (AFFF) in high-hazard flammable liquid fires while eliminating the overuse of the foam in training scenarios. The testimony adds that AFFF foams are the most effective foams currently available to fight high-hazard flammable liquid fires.

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Full text

April 21st, 2021

Attn: House Commerce and Labor Committee

Dear Chairman Stein and Members of the Committee:

The Alliance for Telomer Chemistry Stewardship (ATCS) is a global organization that advocates on behalf
of C6 fluorotelomer-based products. Our members are leading manufacturers of fluorotelomer based
products. Our mission is to promote the responsible production, use, and management of fluorotelomer
based products, while also advocating for a sound science- and risk-based approach to regulation.
Fluorotelomer-based products are versatile chemistries with wetting and spreading features, as well as
unique properties that repel water, oil and stains. These unique characteristics make fluorotelomers a
critical component of first responder gear, medical garments, paints and coatings, upholstery, class B
firefighting foam, among other uses that families and businesses across the world rely on.

On behalf of the members of ATCS, we respectfully request that the Committee pass HB 158.

This legislation while preserving the ability to use C6 Fluorosurfactant-based foam (AFFF) in high-hazard
flammable liquid fires, eliminates the overuse of the foam in training scenarios. The restriction on
testing provides stewardship principals and industry best practices for the usage of AFFF. We are certain
this much needed legislation is right for environmental stewardship and retaining safety in emergency
Class B situations in Ohio.

AFFF foams are the most effective foams currently available to fight high-hazard flammable liquid fires
(Class B) in military, industrial, chemical, fuel depot/storage, aviation and other applications. AFFF have
proven effectiveness in large scale tank fires, fuel-in-depth fires and other high hazard Class B fires.
Their unique film-forming and fuel repellency properties provide rapid extinguishment, critical burnback
resistance and protection against vapor release, which help to prevent re-ignition and protect fire
fighters working as part of rescue and recovery operations.


Thank you for considering passage of this important legislation.


Sincerely,


Shawn Swearingen
Director, Alliance for Telomer Chemistry Stewardship


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