By Bob Katzen

The Public Health Committee gave a favorable report to and recommended passage by the full House and Senate of a bill to protect public health from toxic “forever chemicals” which are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The measure would phase out PFAS in many products; cut industrial discharges of PFAS; and set up a fund to help communities test and treat PFAS in drinking water, soil and groundwater.

Supporters said that in Massachusetts, 172 public water systems in 96 cities and towns, and many private wells, have exceeded the state’s legal limit for PFAS which are toxic even at very low level exposure and do not break down easily, meaning they will persist for thousands of years in the environment. They argued that PFAS can increase the risk of developing cancers, immunosuppression, liver disease and developmental and reproductive illnesses. They said that 28 states have passed laws to ban PFAS in at least one product, and most states in New England, except Massachusetts, have banned PFAS in food packaging, firefighting foam, carpets, clothing, fabric sprays and personal care products.

“This is great news for Massachusetts residents,” said Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG Legislative Director.

“Other states have already enacted laws to restrict PFAS in some or all products,” said Laura Spark, Environmental Health Program Director at Clean Water Action. “Now it’s time for Massachusetts to act. PFAS contamination in Massachusetts will continue to worsen until PFAS restrictions go into effect.”