Pennsylvania Rep. introduces bill aimed at banning 'forever chemicals' in certain products
A Pennsylvania State representative has introduced a bill that aims to ban "forever chemicals" in certain products.
Rep. Greg Scott (D-Montgomery) introduced the legislation on Thursday, according to a news release.
House Bill 2145 aims to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or "forever chemicals", from high-contact products like cosmetics, dental floss, children's products and menstrual pads and tampons.
PFAS are noted to be synthetic chemicals that can be found in many daily-use household items and that may link to a range of health risks, including:
- Cancer
- Immune system suppression
- Pregnancy-related hypertension
- Reduced fertility
- More
The bill would provide manufacturers with enough time to adjust to new requirements.
"People are becoming more aware of PFAS contamination in drinking water because of runoff from firefighting foams used at airports and military bases," said Scott.
Scott continued," What many may not realize is that PFAS are not exclusively used in these foams - they're widely used by manufacturers of many of the products we use every single day."
It is noted that an additional concern with products that contain PFAS is that once they enter a landfill, the chemicals can break down and contaminate groundwater.
