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Sunday, July 25, 2021

‘Forever chemicals’ bill clears U.S. House

Per- and polyfluroalkyl substances – better known as PFAS – can be found in an array of products we use every day. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down and they accumulate in our bodies and in our environment over time. According to the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, studies of humans with PFAS exposure have shown that certain PFAS may affect the growth and learning abilities of children, interfere with the natural hormones found in the body, lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant, affect the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer.
As Chairman of the Rules Committee, this week I brought the #PFAS Action Act to the House Floor & proudly voted yes. This is a comprehensive bill which takes major steps to:
🌎 Stem the flow of PFAS contamination into the environment by setting air emission limits, requiring new guidance for the safe disposal of PFAS, and more.
🩺 Identify health risk associated with PFAS by developing a comprehensive testing, reporting, and monitoring system to generate health and safety data to inform regulatory decisions.
🛑 Limit human exposure to PFAS.
✅ Provide grants to drinking water utilities treating PFAS contamination.
🚒 Provide guidance to first responders to minimize their exposure to PFAS.
🏛 Require the EPA Administrator to determine whether all PFAS should be listed as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to pass legislati

 



The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to pass legislation backed by western Massachusetts representatives targeting the use of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.”

“This bill is a major first step in the right direction” of protecting Americans from PFAS, said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, who voted in favor of the bill.

PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in a variety of everyday items, including food containers, cookware, cosmetics, firefighter gear and upholstered furniture, and in high concentrations in industrial substances used at sites such as airports. Over 98% of Americans have a measurable level of PFAS in their blood, according to activist and research organization Environmental Working Group.

Once in the human bloodstream, PFAS can cause health issues such as certain types of cancer, liver disease, asthma,  immunosuppression, and developmental issues in children and infants.

Over 9,000 PFAS chemicals exist, and six are regulated in Massachusetts.

The legislation, the PFAS Action Act, would designate two PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances; set a deadline for the Environmental Protection Agency to make decisions about other PFAS chemicals; create grants to aid in cleanup and remediation efforts; and establish  stricter limits on PFAS usage, testing and reporting.

“Too many children and families in western and central Massachusetts and across the country are being exposed right now to dangerous chemical contamination that can have devastating impacts on their health and well-being,” Neal said in a statement.

Despite known health impacts, “for too long, these chemicals have been allowed to linger in our communities as big corporations put their profits before people,” Neal said.

The legislation received bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and will next be considered by the U.S. Senate. 

McGovern said that in the event that the bill doesn’t pass the Senate, he is prepared to use his position as chair of the House Rules Committee to attach parts of the bill to “must-pass legislation” such as the National Defense Authorization Act.

“We’re going to do all we can to make sure that … it gets to the president’s desk,” McGovern said.


LINK


Saint-Gobain, Vermont reach $40 million PFOA settlement


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