Read the full article by Clare Gehlich (ABC 8News).
“RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A bill to regulate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) substances in biosolids used on land advanced out of the Virginia House Friday in an overwhelming vote, though the Senate now needs to approve the newly revised bill.
The Virginia House of Delegates approved Senate Bill 386 on Friday, March 6, 86-12, nearly two months after Sen. Richard Stuart (R-King George), the bill’s sponsor, introduced the bill on Jan. 13.
PFAS — also known as ‘forever chemicals’ — build up in the body and environment and do not break down easily. Their strong chemical bonds make them highly persistent and potentially cause contamination, leading to serious health issues like increased risk of certain cancers, liver damage, thyroid disease, weakened immunity, reproductive problems, developmental delays in children and higher cholesterol.
Stuart previously said the bill aims to address concerns in his district, where farmers use biosolids as a soil amendment because the material is dry and similar to peat moss.”…