Read the full article by Kinga Borondy (The Gardner News)
“BOSTON — Even after Gov. Maura T. Healey signed the bill outlawing the sale in Massachusetts of firefighter protective gear treated with PFAS chemicals, the work to remove and restrict the forever chemicals linked to cancer continues in the state.
An omnibus bill co-sponsored by Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Falmouth, and Rep. Kate Hogan, D-Stow, is pending action and could still become law during this legislative session.
‘This is not a novel idea,’ said Deirdre Cummings, legislative director for MASSPIRG, a national grassroots organization that is an advocate for the public interest on issues that affect the public’s health, safety and well-being. ‘There are 26 states that have regulated or banned PFAS in at least one product; and about a dozen states have banned PFAS in food packaging products.’
Cummings believes other states have set good examples for Massachusetts to follow.
The man-made chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are resistant to heat, water and grease. They have been used in various consumer products from fabric protectors, cookware and even makeup and shampoo, since the 1950s. The chemicals do not break down and accumulate in the human body. It has been linked to cancer, liver diseases and other medical problems.”…