California legislature votes to phase out "forever chemicals" in cookware
California lawmakers voted to phase out a group of chemicals known as PFAS, which are often called "forever chemicals," in cookware.
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California lawmakers voted to phase out a group of chemicals known as PFAS, which are often called "forever chemicals," in cookware.
The EPA will require that public water utilities test for six different types of PFAS chemicals to reduce exposure in drinking water.
Certain kinds of greaseproofing "forever" chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, will no longer be used in food packaging in the US, the FDA announced Wednesday.
Among the supermarket foods tested, Annie's Organic Cheesy Ravioli, Del Monte sliced peaches and Chicken of the Sea pink salmon, had the most phthalates per nanogram.
Twenty-two attorneys general, led by California AG Rob Bonta, want a federal court to reject a proposed $10.3 billion settlement over contamination of U.S. public drinking water systems with PFAS chemicals.
The U.S. Geological Survey tested tap water from 716 locations nationwide over five years.
Almost half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with chemicals known as "forever chemicals," according to a new study from the US Geological Survey.
The EPA rule would require manufacturers to report many products that contain a type of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, and hormone irregularities.
Also known as PFAS, they never break down, are linked to certain cancers and are found in everyday products such as clothes, cookware, cosmetics and cleaning supplies.
Companies hid evidence of PFAS' link to dead dogs, enlarged livers and birth defects, according to researchers.
There are no levels of exposure considered safe from health effects.
Researchers say it's the equivalent of drinking a month's worth of water contaminated with toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS.
The decision announced Tuesday arrives after U.S. environmental regulators designated the chemicals — used in nonstick frying pans, water-repellent sports gear, stain-resistant rugs, cosmetics and countless other consumer products since the 1940s - as hazardous substances under the Superfund law.
A lawsuit filed Thursday by the state of California accuses 3M, Dupont and 16 smaller companies of covering up the harm caused to the environment and the public from chemicals manufactured by the firms that have over decades found their way into waterways and human bloodstreams.
In addition to many other health concerns, emerging research suggests higher levels of these PFAS "forever chemicals" in the body may lead to more severe COVID symptoms and may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. A new test now allows the general public to identify the level of PFAS in their bodies at home.
