Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals are used to make materials grease and water-resistant. These chemicals are also harmful to our health and are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down.
PFAS chemicals are linked to many health effects including cancer, immune suppression, and may also make vaccines less effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that: “Some studies have shown that PFAS exposure may affect growth, learning, and the behavior of infants and older children….and increase the risk of cancer.” These risks are not acceptable.
Maps of PFAS Contamination: EWG interactive map of PFAS water contamination nationally and EWG map PFAS industrial discharges
Articles: Attacking this problem one PFAS chemical at a time would take centuries, which is why LDA and partners are advocating to take action on PFAS chemicals as a class, since there are over 9,000 PFAS chemicals and the numbers keep growing. Here’s a scientific paper that explains why we need to regulate PFAS as a class.
Policy wins on PFAS: Several states have adopted PFAS water quality standards and/or testing requirements. Many states have banned PFAS in different types of everyday products. To learn more, check out Safer States’ summary of PFAS policies and bills. Sadly, we are also fighting the industry that wants to exempt certain PFAS chemicals but the ones they want to exempt are still harmful when you look at the whole process from manufacturing, to the product, and then to the disposal.
Check out our Dark Waters Showing and Panelist Discussion below which we co-hosted with LDA state affiliates and these panelists:
Joanne Stanton, co-founder of Buxmont Coalition for Safer Water, grew up in Warminster, Pennsylvania near two navy Superfund sites. Following her son’s cancerous brain tumor diagnosis, she became an activist for children’s health and advocates for chemical policy reform and enforceable PFAS drinking water standards. Joanne also wrote a book on her experience and children’s environmental health.
Patrick Morrison leads the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Health, Safety, and Medical Division. The Division seeks to identify hazards, develop and disseminate technical materials, and provide assistance so IAFF members can control the safety, health, and medical needs of firefighters.
Liz Hitchcock is Director of Safer Chemicals Healthy Families. She oversees coordinates the campaign’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and at EPA and other federal agencies. A study by SCHF showed PFAS in takeout food packaging.
Washington Post interview with Rob Billott and Mark Ruffalo.
