Read the full article by Emilia Otte (CT Examiner)
“A type of man-made chemicals found in consumer packaging and firefighting foam will likely be phased out in the state of Connecticut because of their suspected negative effects on the environment and public health.
A bill that aims to end the use of firefighting foam and food packaging passed 146-0 in the State House of Representatives on Monday. The Senate is expected to approve the legislation before the end of session.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 4,700 chemicals that are found in cookware, firefighting foam and food packaging. The US Center for Disease Control has found links between PFAS and high blood pressure, changes in liver enzymes, increased risk of certain types of cancer and low infant birth rates.
‘These PFAS chemicals are extraordinarily dangerous,’ said State Rep. Christine Palm, D-Chester, who introduced the bill. ‘They are detected in breastmilk … They are found throughout our environment and it is a problem that is getting worse.’
PFAS are sometimes called ‘forever chemicals’ because they possess a strong fluoro-carbon bond that resists breaking down. As a result, they can build up both in the environment and within the human body.
The bill will phase out the use of AFFF fire fighting foam, one of the biggest sources of PFAS spills. Starting in July 2021, the foam will no longer be used for training and testing purposes, and by October will no longer be used for fighting fires. Certain locations, like airports, will be exempt because of federal regulations that require this particular foam be kept on the premises, until October of 2023…”