Brown Demands That Department of Defense Block Further PFAS Incineration in East Liverpool

October 10, 2024

Read the full article by Sherrod Brown

"U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on the Department of Defense to block the resumption of incineration as an approved PFAS disposal method in East Liverpool and communities across the country. PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – often referred to as “forever chemicals” – pose a threat to public health and is designated by the EPA as a hazardous substance.

“Researchers have shown that East Liverpool has measurable soil samples of PFAS due to the years of incineration that took place between 2019 and the start of DoD’s moratorium,” said Brown.

Brown continued, “I am concerned by recent reports that indicate the DoD is seeking approval to once again incinerate PFAS. This would be a mistake. PFAS do not break down easily and are linked to a variety of serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, fertility problems, and developmental problems in children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s recent designation of PFAS as a ‘hazardous substance’ provides further validation that the disposal of [Aqueous Film Forming Foam] must be handled with extreme caution and transparency.”