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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 30, 2024 11:26 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Greg Scott and Rep. Mandy Steele, Rep. Tarik Khan |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Consumer Product Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFAS) Chemical Ban |
| PFAS are a group of over 7,800 human-made chemicals used in a wide range of products due to their ability to repel dirt, water, and grease. They are known as “forever” chemicals because they persist and do not break down in the environment. Unfortunately, PFAS chemicals have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, immune system suppression, increased cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, liver damage, reduced fertility, and increased risk of thyroid disease. PFAS have been found in items such as menstrual and incontinence products. According to a recent Harvard University study, the combined use of menstrual products is estimated to last about 2,540 days of a person's life, meaning people using these products are exposed to PFAS chemicals for this duration of time. In addition, other everyday products containing these chemicals include drinking water, cookware, and dental floss, with drinking water being one of the main sources of PFAS exposure in the United States. To address PFAS in these commonly used items, we will be introducing legislation that would prohibit the use of PFAS in menstrual products, cleaning ingredients, cookware, and dental floss. The prohibition would not go into effect immediately in order to give manufacturers time to adjust. Additionally, the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Office of Attorney General would have oversight authority. Please join us in this important effort to eliminate PFAS and their dangers as well as protect the health of Pennsylvanians. |
Introduced as HB2238