Letter of Support for HB 2238

Dear members of the state House,

On behalf of PennEnvironment and our citizen members, I’m writing to ask you to cosponsor House Bill 2238 (Rep. Greg Scott). HB 2238 will ban the use of per & polyfluoroalkyl substances – better known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” – in certain  products.

However, PFAS are dangerous for public health. Sometimes called  “forever chemicals” because they are nearly indestructible, PFAS build up in the human body over time and persist in the environment. Today, PFAS are so widespread that nearly every American has these chemicals in their blood. PFAS exposure–even in small amounts over time– causes significant health impacts. These substances have been linked to kidney cancer, thyroid disruption, immune suppression, reproductive issues and developmental issues, alongside other health problems. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania has long been a poster-child for PFAS contamination and these protections for consumers in the commonwealth are long overdue.

PFAS are found in products ranging from coatings for non-stick pans, paper products and textiles to cosmetics, personal care products and food packaging to the artificial turf that comprises athletic playing fields. They’re also a common additive  in product manufacturing – and a ubiquitous presence in our homes and our communities.

House Bill 2238  would:

• Ban the use of PFAS chemicals in the manufacture and sale of a broad set of products in Pennsylvania by 2027. These products include: artificial turf, cleaning products, carpeting, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, fabric treatments, food packaging, infant and children’s products, menstrual products, materials used in oil and gas production, ski wax, and textiles. 
• Phase out the sale of outdoor apparel for extreme wet weather conditions containing PFAS by 2029.
• Prohibits of intentionally added PFAS for products not previously covered starting in 2033, with a set of select exemptions including medical devices.

Whether Pennsylvanians are heading out on the soccer field, frying an egg, microwaving popcorn or buying baby supplies, we shouldn’t need to worry about being exposed to toxic “forever chemicals” that threaten our family’s health. 

Given this, PennEnvironment hopes that you will support this critical legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from the toxic threat of PFAS and add your name as a sponsor.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Wein

Clean Water & Conservation Advocate

PennEnvironment