Colorado ramps up response to toxic “forever chemicals” after discovery of hot spots across metro Denver
13 Sep 2019 | The Denver Post
Groundwater tests over the past year have detected high levels of toxic “forever chemicals” across the Denver metro area, contamination that’s both wider and more severe than previously known.
Guest opinion: How to expedite PFAS contamination cleanup
13 Sep 2019 | The Intelligencer
If this national crisis isn’t important enough for the EPA to flex its muscle, what is? If it never exercises its authority, it’s as if it has none.
EWG Investigates – The science on PFAS: Rebuttal to 3M’s claims
12 Sep 2019 | EWG
EWG’s Science Investigations Team's response to 3M downplaying the risks of PFAS.
Concerns rise over tainted sewage sludge spread on croplands
12 Sep 2019 | Associated Press
Several states are examining sewage sludge for PFAS contamination and assessing potential dangers. Maine has enacted a nonbinding advisory level for PFAS in sludge and New Hampshire is working with the U.S. Geological Survey on a soil study whose results will help them set a standard. Maine also found most biosolids from more than 30 wastewater treatment plants were above the state's advisory level while neighboring New Hampshire detected PFAS in tests of sludge from two dozen permit holders. Neither state found traceable levels of PFAS in the milk tested. Based on sludge tests at 41 plants, Michigan ordered several to stop distributing it to farms.
Companies deny responsibility for toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contamination
11 Sep 2019 | The Guardian
The 3M Company, the Chemours Company and DuPont appeared before lawmakers over PFAS. Denise Rutherford, senior vice-president of corporate affairs for 3M, argued the chemicals pose no human health threats at current levels and have no victims, conflicting with a large body of research and 3M’s own internal documents.
‘Forever chemicals’ now found in Massachusetts schools
9 Sep 2019 | Boston Globe
The water fountains [at the schools in Stow] have been turned off. The state decided to test the water in Stow because of the schools’ proximity to the former Fort Devens-Sudbury Training Annex... wells at the Hale School had a cumulative total of more than 38 ppt of five of the chemicals; the Center School had more than 24 ppt.
What toxicologist says parents should know about PFAS exposure
9 Sep 2019 | MLive
Jamie DeWitt, a pharmacology and toxicology professor at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, provides practical information relating to PFAS contamination.
Lawmakers push for state limit on PFAS in Delaware drinking water
6 Sep 2019 | Delaware Public Media
Leaders of the State Senate Environmental and Natural Resources Committee and House Natural Resources Committee sent a letter 1 to Gov. John Carney asking him to direct the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Health and Social Services to develop MCL rulemakings for PFAS in public drinking water.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker proposes funding to address PFAS problem
6 Sep 2019 | MassLive
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection could get $8.4 million to step up well water testing in search of PFAS contamination... Some of the money could also be used for point-of-consumption remediation efforts.
At Michigan schools, urgent PFAS response no guarantee
5 Sep 2019 | MLive
The state tested about 1,380 public water systems and 460 schools, daycares and Head Start centers on well water. However the State currently lacks authority to force schools to take any measures.
Michigan gets $4M to learn how much PFAS is in your blood
4 Sep 2019 | MLive
The first initiative, called the Michigan Chemical Exposure Monitoring program (MiChEM), will indicate the human blood levels of PFAS..., PCBs, certain pesticides and heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury and lead. A second portion of the grant will be used for more targeted testing: Checking firefighters for how much PFAS is in their blood....New York and New Jersey also will be gathering statewide PFAS data.
Denmark just became the first country to ban PFAS 'forever chemicals' from food packaging
4 Sep 2019 | CNN
Under Denmark's new regulation food packaging, for example, baking paper, and microwave popcorn bags will be required to be manufactured without any PFAS.
New Hampshire Governor signs bills addressing PFAS in firefighting foam, furniture
3 Sep 2019 | Concord Monitor
A law signed by Gov. Chris Sununu would require fire departments to turn over older stocks of firefighting foam to the state, prohibit them from purchasing more foam containing PFAS, and restrict them from using existing foam except in specific circumstances.
Denmark just became the first country to ban a toxic lining common in food containers
3 Sep 2019 | QUARTZ
The Danish government noted that “fortunately” there are other ways to make paper grease-proof and water-proof that don’t have the potential to cause cancer and endocrine disorders.
PFAS toxins found in drinking water throughout Southern California
3 Sep 2019 | The Orange County Register
Wells of nearly two dozen Southern California water agencies have reportable levels of PFAS, a chemical family increasingly linked to cancer, liver and kidney damage, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, low fertility, low birth weight and ulcerative colitis.