Safer Chemicals for Safer Families and Communities

Public awareness of the dangers of PFAS chemicals (polyfluoroalkyl substances) has exploded in recent years. We now know that PFAS contributes to incidence of cancer, preeclampsia, immunosuppression, and more.. It does not break down, ever, and it’s accumulating in our homes, environment, and in our bodies.  This stuff is dangerous and it is everywhere! The companies that have been using these chemicals in their products have known the dangers for decades, but kept that hidden from the public. These chemicals are in our bodies, and they can wreak havoc. We did not get a choice about that.

Good news! According to a new report from the Mind the Store Coalition nearly 70% of the 50 largest retailers in the country have improved toxic chemical safety programs over the past five years. That means we can find safer products with fewer hazardous chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive disorders or birth defects when we shop. These chemicals are often found in everyday products like cleaners,food packaging, and shampoos and moisturizers.

President Biden has pledged to take quick action on toxic fluorinated ‘forever chemicals’ known as PFAS “by designating PFAS as a hazardous substance, setting enforceable limits for PFAS in the Safe Drinking Water Act, prioritizing substitutes through procurement, and accelerating toxicity studies and research on PFAS.” These are welcome—and necessary—steps that must be taken to address this toxic pollution, but there’s a lot more the Biden administration can do.