Toxic chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are contaminating drinking water supplies across the country.
These lab-made chemicals are used in everyday products like non-stick pans, food packaging, fire suppressants and stain-resistant fabrics. And they’re called “forever chemicals” for a reason: They don’t break down naturally and they leach into our food and water.
For years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made — and broken — promises to set safety standards and protect people from widespread PFAS contamination. Now we need Congress to step up and protect our drinking water. Tell your representative to co-sponsor the PFAS Action Act of 2021!
The PFAS Action Act would set enforceable regulations to limit dangerous PFAS compounds in drinking water. It would also:
Designate these toxins as hazardous substances;
Require the EPA to place limits on the industrial discharge of PFAS;
Provide $200 million annually for water treatment;
Require PFAS health testing; and
Hold the biggest polluters accountable to clean up their PFAS contamination.
PFAS chemicals are released into the air from manufacturing plants, used in fire suppression, or leach into our soil from the disposal of non-stick products. The corporations that produce PFAS chemicals have known about these dangers for decades and suppressed reports about health risks.
Long-term exposure to PFAS chemicals is associated with birth defects, thyroid disease, weakened immunity, liver problems and certain cancers. These toxic chemicals should be nowhere near our food and water — and it’s time our representatives did something about it.
Food & Water Action and its affiliated organization, Food & Water Watch, are advocacy groups with a common mission to protect our food, water and climate. This email was sent to [email protected] - and we're glad you got it, because it's one of the most important ways you can reclaim political power, hold elected officials accountable and resist corporate control.
