Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement in response to a new study that detected at least one per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in 45% of U.S. drinking water samples taken from public and private drinking water systems.
“PFAS are a threat to the health and wellbeing of people across the country, especially in heartland communities like the ones I represent. We know that PFAS contribute to adverse health effects including increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreases in infant birth weights, and increased risk of certain cancers. The detection of PFAS in nearly half of drinking water samples is alarming, indicates we are well past studying this problem, and underscores the need to act urgently to protect the public from these dangerous chemicals. I will re-introduce the PFAS Action Act soon to enact strong regulations and safeguards—as well as oppose any efforts to create loopholes in our landmark environmental laws—and will continue to work with the Biden Administration on their PFAS Strategic Roadmap to remove forever chemicals from our products, our environment, and our water.”
PFAS chemicals are man-made chemicals that have so far been found in the drinking water of more than 2,000 communities. PFAS chemicals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. These chemicals have been linked to harmful human health effects, including cancer, reproductive and developmental harms, and weakened immune systems.
Dingell has long been a leader on PFAS in Congress, first introducing the PFAS Action Act in 2019. The legislation passed the House twice with strong bipartisan support. Dingell has also previously introduced the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act and Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act.
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