Industrial “forever chemicals” found in hundreds of consumer goods and linked to adverse health effects may face new regulations under the Biden administration.
Why it matters: Environmental groups and members of Congress are calling on President Biden to follow through with his promise to designate the long-ignored and largely unregulated synthetic chemicals, which can last for hundreds of years without breaking down, as hazardous substances.
- They’re also calling for him to set enforceable limits for the chemicals in the Safe Drinking Water Act and to fund toxicity research on them.
How they work: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — dubbed “forever chemicals” for their durability — are a family of nearly 5,000 types of chemicals that resist degradation by repelling oil and water and withstanding high temperatures.
- They are commonly found in nonstick, water-repellent and fire-resistant products, including cookware, and some food packaging.
- Because of their strength, PFAS can remain in the environment while accumulating in fish, wildlife and humans.
Of note: There are currently no national drinking water standards for PFAS nor specific federal […]
Teflon is one of those hazardous chemicals which a friend of mine helped develop when he was in the military and he said they knew they were not made for human consumption and would harm people, yet they are on cooking devices despite the harmful threat they pose.