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UFU continues to make big impact at United Nations

Key links:
IPEN paper press conference: https://www.facebook.com/GenevaEnvironmentNetwork/videos/38922806166127/?sfnsn=mo
UFU interview on Day 2 of the Convention: https://vimeo.com/333437807

The UFU has continued to make an impact on nations and organisations at the United Nations Stockholm Convention COP9.

Following the moving submission made by UFUA Delegate and UFU Victoria Vice-President Mick Tisbury to the parties on Day 1, which resulted in a standing ovation from all present, participants to the Convention have continued to approach the UFU to better understand the impacts of PFOA and PFAS on firefighters.

The UFU was featured in a video recapping Day 2 of the BRS COPs.  Mick Tisbury, was interviewed by broadcaster Paul Rose: https://vimeo.com/333437807

“[PFOA] is one less chemical we are subjecting firefighters to … we are going to keep advocating for the complete phase out not only of PFOA but all PFAS-containing firefighting foam …

… there is a safe alternative there so why would you continue advocating for a protect that is poisoning firefighters and the community?”

Mick, talking to the UFU’s push for a global ban on PFAS-containing firefighting foam

On Day 3, the UFU was represented at the “IPEN: A toxic-free future for all” Press Conference calling for a Global Ban on Toxic Chemicals used in Firefighting Foams: https://www.facebook.com/GenevaEnvironmentNetwork/videos/38922806166127/?sfnsn=mo

“As a firefighter I can tell you that our anxiety levels are already high because we know we have had repeated exposure to this toxic chemical for over 30 years … Right now we feel like we have a ticking time bomb in our bodies”

Mick Tisbury, talking to the firefighter experience at the IPEN Panel press conference

This is the first time that uniformed personnel, or professional career firefighters, have been represented at the Stockholm Convention.

The UFU is represented at the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention at the United Nations.  Of the many issues the parties will discuss at the Convention, PFAS in firefighting foam will be one of them.

The UFU is calling for a worldwide ban on the use of PFAS in firefighting foams. 

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