PHILADELPHIA(KYW Newsradio) — A bill that would ban PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from everyday products like cosmetics and children’s items is on its way to the Pennsylvania Senate after passing the House with bipartisan support on Monday.
State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, said the family of “forever chemicals” is best known for contaminating drinking water around military bases like the Willow Grove Naval Air Station because they are found in firefighting foams used in training.
“But PFAS aren't only found in firefighting foams; they become pervasive in a wide range of consumer products, some of which come in contact with the most sensitive parts of our body, products like cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual pads, and tampons,” Scott said.
Scott said there are alternatives to using those products.
Republican State Rep. Natalie Mihalik said other countries regulate the use of PFAS, since they don’t break down in the environment or in the human body and are linked to cancer, birth defects, and liver and kidney disease.
“The reality in this country is that we are being bombarded every single day by a cocktail of chemicals that we did not consent to, in our air, in our water, in the foods that we eat, and in so many products that come into close contact with our bodies,” she said.
“We must fight back.”
The bill passed the state House 188-13 and heads to the state Senate.
