Read the full article by Mackenzie Huber (South Dakota Searchlight)
“South Dakota senators unanimously endorsed a bill Monday at the Capitol in Pierre to require protective firefighting equipment purchased by fire departments in the state to be labeled with its “forever chemical” status.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s and don’t break down easily in the environment or in the human body. The chemicals can be found in everything from firefighting foam to thermal and water-resistant clothing to soil and water. Research indicates PFAS exposure may be linked to negative developmental and reproductive effects, and an increased risk of some cancers.
The federal government finalized phased-in limits on some types of PFAS in drinking water earlier this year. PFAS has been found in preliminary testing of Mount Rushmore drinking water and in the Big Sioux River.” …