Friend,
We shouldn't have to worry about whether food wrappers or kitchen items contain toxics. But nonstick pans, pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags can all be treated with a class of chemicals called PFAS.[1]
PFAS are nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they don't degrade in the environment or the body. Instead, PFAS build up in our bodies -- and can cause serious health problems.[2]
Right now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is beginning the process of making a new rule that could limit the industrial dumping of PFAS in our waterways, and they're accepting comments until May 17.
Will you add your name before the EPA's May 17 deadline?
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Exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility and cancer.[3] Researchers from Harvard's School of Public Health have even found a link between PFAS exposure and increased risk of more severe cases of COVID-19.[4]
And because PFAS don't degrade in the environment, they're difficult to avoid. Once items like PFAS-treated takeout containers are thrown away, PFAS can contaminate water or soil.[5]
These "forever chemicals" are used to repel grease -- which simply isn't worth the consequences of health problems and contaminated water.
We need to keep PFAS out of our drinking water. Make your public comment today.
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We've seen recent progress on our campaign to ban PFAS. After calls from U.S. PIRG and our coalition partners, McDonald's agreed to phase out PFAS-treated packaging.[6] And states such as California, Washington, New York, Maine, New Hampshire and Minnesota have all taken action to phase out these chemicals in certain consumer products, and many other states are considering similar bills.[7,8]
Now, this EPA public comment period is a chance to show the Biden administration that there is strong public support for keeping toxic "forever chemicals" out of our waterways.
The more support we have, the more likely it is that the administration will be convinced to protect the public from PFAS.
Are you with us, Friend? Make a public comment today.
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Thank you,
Faye Park
President
1. "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health," CDC, last accessed April 21, 2021.
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2. Nadia Kounang, "What are PFAS chemicals, and what are they doing to our health?," CNN, February 14, 2019.
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3. Nadia Kounang, "What are PFAS chemicals, and what are they doing to our health?," CNN, February 14, 2019.
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4. "PFAS exposure linked with worse COVID-19 outcomes," Harvard University, last accessed April 20, 2021.
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5. Carol Kwiatkowski, "The frightening rise of 'forever chemicals'--and why they're more common than you think," Fast Company, October 13, 2020.
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6. Garrett Ellison, "McDonalds pledges to stop using PFAS in food packaging by 2025," Michigan Live, January 15, 2021.
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7. Marci Robin, "What California's New Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act Means for Your Beauty Products," Allure, October 1, 2020.
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8. "PFAS," Safer States, last accessed April 23, 2021.
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