Fire departments work to get rid of cancer-linked foam extinguisher: "It was like sitting on a bomb"

Fire departments nationwide are shifting strategies to eliminate foam extinguishers containing "forever chemicals" linked to cancer. These chemicals, once widely used, have raised significant health concerns, prompting over a dozen states to initiate programs for the removal and destruction of the foam. This shift is crucial as these chemicals pose a long-term risk to both firefighters and communities, highlighting the need for safer firefighting methods. The move underscores a broader effort to address environmental and public health issues tied to outdated firefighting practices.