Counterpoint: Commentary’s claim that some PFAS chemicals are safe was false

By Avonna Starck, Jennifer DeJournett, and Andrea Lovoll | MINNPOST | February 5, 2024

Read the full article by Avonna Starck, Jennifer DeJournett, and Andrea Lovoll (MINNPOST)

"Last spring, Minnesota passed the most comprehensive PFAS law in the country, banning all non-essential uses and requiring disclosure of all uses of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to the state. The Legislature passed this law in part due to the advocacy of Amara Strande, who lived near a 3M PFAS plume and developed a rare form of cancer at 15 that ultimately took her life days before her 21st birthday.

Advocates, legislators and Amara’s family listened to industry defend the use of PFAS, cloaking themselves in a new organization called Sustainable PFAS Action Network (SPAN). Their chief lobbyist, Kevin Fay, flew into Minnesota trying to convince legislators to accept his argument that some PFAS are safe. Thankfully lawmakers didn’t agree.

After Amara’s Law passed, Fay boarded a plane and left Minnesota but we knew he’d be back. Last week, SPAN and Fay showed up again with this Community Voices commentary."