Read the full article by Joel McCord (WYPR News)
“Maryland lawmakers are looking to ban a class of chemicals known as Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, that the Environmental Protection Agency says can cause harmful health effects in humans.
The chemicals have turned up in drinking water sources throughout Maryland as well as in crabs, rockfish and oysters, according to the state Department of the Environment.
PFAS are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they never break down. And they’re everywhere, in non-stick cookware, food containers, fire-fighting foam and even the carpet under your feet.
They create a barrier between grease and oil. So, for example, the greasy food in that fast food container doesn’t stain your clothes. And they smother fires.
Del. Sara Love, a Montgomery County Democrat sponsoring the House version of the bill to ban them, calls that ‘a lovely purpose.’
But, she adds, the health effects ‘are so bad that we really need to stop using that and move to something else.’
…Del. Love’s bill and one coming up for a hearing in the Senate’s committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Wednesday would ban the use of the chemicals, in fire fighting foam, food containers and rugs and carpets.”