13 States Talking and Acting on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Issues

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are man-made substances which have traditionally been used in a wide variety of consumer products and in industrial settings. Some forms of PFAS are very persistent in the environment and can build up over time in living organisms such as fish, animals and humans. There is evidence that exposure to some forms of PFAS can lead to negative health effects in humans including lower birth weights, compromised immune system and cancer. Many PFAS are no longer manufactured in the United States as a result of intentional phase outs; however, several forms are still produced and legacy issues remain. Recent actions by states across the U.S. were summarized by the lab SGS: US EPA is also taking action.

3M Co. erects a privacy fence around their property which is contaminated by its own chemical waste.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies PFAS in human blood and urine in the area around Eielson Air Force Base.

 California State Water Resources Control Board announces they will issue orders to owners and operators of California facilities requiring environmental investigation and sampling for PFAS.

 Governor of Maine has creates a Governor’s Task Force to review and address the prevalence of PFAS in Maine.

The Superintendent for Public Works conducts outreach with the public to explain PFAs contamination.

 The city of Madison halts the use of a well that has been contaminated at Truax National Air Base.

 Legislation proposed in the House and Senate requiring the EPA to designate PFAS as hazardous substances.

The nation’s most rigorous groundwater limits for PFOs and PFOA (two forms of PFAS) have been implemented in New Jersey.

 The New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General files a suit against the US Air Force to address PFAs contamination.

The wells of four homes near the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base property are being treated for contaminated ground water.

 A proposed federal law could declare chemicals found in water supplies of Dayton and at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as hazardous substances under the EPA Superfund law.

Vermont senate sets maximum contaminant level for PFAs in drinking water.

The Washington State Department of Ecology requests input on alternatives to PFAS in food packaging.

Alabama

Alaska

California

Maine

Massachusetts

Michigan

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

Ohio

Vermont

Washington