Read the full article by Casey Smith (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
“Environmental advocates sounded alarms at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday over a bill that would change the definition of toxic PFAS chemicals to exempt those which Hoosier manufacturers want to keep using.
HB 1399 seeks to carve out more than 5,000 ‘forever chemicals’ from being defined as such by the state and its environmental rules board.
That means chemicals deemed harmful in other states would no longer carry the same designation in Indiana. Critics said the legislation could allow products that contain the toxic chemicals to be ‘wrongly’ labeled as ‘PFAS-free.’
The bill was heard in the Senate Environmental Affairs Committee and drew nearly three hours of testimony and discussion. A vote was not held Monday but could take place next week.
PFAS are used to make a variety of nonstick, waterproof and stain-resistant products like cookware, cosmetics, carpets and clothing. Among other things, exposure to the chemicals has been linked to kidney cancer, problems with the immune system and developmental issues in children.” …