Critics: Bill cutting protections from PFAS toxic chemicals a step backward for Indiana

February 12, 2024

Read the full article by Sarah Bowman (Indianapolis Star)

"The definition of PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly called "forever chemicals," widely accepted: They are toxic chemicals that are dangerous to human health, accumulate in nature and people’s bodies, and take thousands of years to break down.

Despite that near universal acknowledgment, Hoosier lawmakers are advancing a bill to change the definition of PFAS — but only in Indiana. In other words, chemicals deemed harmful in every other state will no longer be considered dangerous in Indiana.

In fact, Indiana — already one of the country's most polluted states, according to federal EPA data — wouldn’t even recognize those materials as PFAS."