Source: The Guardian
Health advocates across the country are looking to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for the impact they could have on PFAS chemicals if elected to the White House.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a term that includes thousands of synthetic long-lasting chemicals that are found in numerous everyday products around the world. PFAS are used to make clothes and furniture water-resistant or stain-resistant, are used in cookware to keep food from sticking, and in food packaging to keep grease and oil to prevent leaking. PFAS can be found in food containers, water bottles, curtains, exercise clothing, floss, makeup, contacts, and paints to name a few examples.
PFAS are so widely used and manufactured that due to the various uses of the product, plants producing the product, and improper waste disposal at said plants, PFAS are also in our food, our waters, our air, and even our blood according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
PFAS break down slowly, staying in the environment for an unknown amount of time which has granted them the nickname “forever chemicals”. As PFAS are prominent in our air, water, food, and bodies, and break down slowly, institutions across the globe have been studying the chemicals to see how they affect humans. Through their research, the National Institute of Health and Science has found that PFAS can cause “altered metabolism and body weight regulation, and risk of childhood obesity, Increased risk of some cancers, Reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections”.
Due to the health risks of these chemicals, regulations have been sought from environmental and health advocates. These advocates believe that, between Harris and Walz, the Democratic presidential ticket holds the key to better understanding and protecting people from PFAS.
Harris, during her time as Vice President, has been a part of the administration’s efforts to do just that. In 2023, the Biden-Harris administration announced the first-ever standard for PFAS in water. This new standard requires public water systems to monitor for several types of PFAS chemicals, and, if the levels exceed the standard they must notify the population and then work to reduce the level of PFAS in the water. In 2022, the administration put forward $1 billion for states to combat contamination in water, including PFAS. Even in 2021, the administration announced efforts to combat PFAS contamination, including the EPA’s PFAS roadmap which includes “steps to control PFAS at its sources, hold polluters accountable, ensure science-based decision making, and address the impacts on disadvantaged communities.” according to the White House press release.
Gov. Walz also has his fair share of history with PFAS, as does the state of Minnesota. The Minnesota-based company 3M, produced many of the first PFAS, PFOS & PFOA, producing about 70% of PFOA and PFOS used historically in the US. With the issue so close to home, Walz spent his time as governor implementing a ban on forever chemicals in Minnesota, considered one of the most aggressive approaches worldwide. The measure would ban the use of PFAS in a range of consumer products from food packaging to menstrual products.
Harris and Walz have proven their dedication to reducing the amount of PFAS people come into contact with from drinking water to consumer goods. Both politicians have shown they understand the dangerous reality of these chemicals and their impact on the population. By looking at the history of the two politicians, health advocates have faith that if the two win in November they will be strong contenders in the fight against PFAS for the safety and well-being of the American people.
