Posted: | August 28, 2023 04:18 PM |
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From: | Senator Katie J. Muth |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Banning Use of PFAS in All Applications |
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to ban the intentional use of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in all industrial applications with an exclusion for essential uses as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). PFAS are a group of manufactured “forever” chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s because of their useful properties. There are thousands of different PFAS, some of which have been more widely used and studied than others. Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
My bill would be modeled after Maine’s legislation with a more condensed phase-out period and also require all companies to report all current applications and uses of PFAS to the DEP and DOH. The report would include the description of the product; the purpose for PFAS use in the product; the amount of PFAS used in the product; and contact information for the manufacturer. The legislation would also give DEP the ability to levy fines for non-compliance with the provisions of the ban. It is time that Pennsylvania protects our residents, our environment and our drinking water from the dangers of PFAS. I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this legislation. |