Sign On to Support Crucial Pesticide Protections
EPA must track ALL “forever chemicals.”
Tell Your Representative to Co-Sponsor the PFAS Definition Improvement Act (HB5987)
We must ensure EPA accountability and keep EPA on target.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of harmful, man-made chemicals that do not break down in the environment. These substances build up in our drinking water, ecosystems, and bodies.
Recently, PFAS was discovered in three of the mosquito control products listed for use in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Mosquito Control Program, used in 2,100 communities and often sprayed weekly through the season. It is unknown how many commercial mosquito spray companies may be using PFAS-contaminated products. Pesticides already cause serious health impacts; pesticides contaminated with PFAS creates an even more alarming situation. Here’s why:
PFAS stay in our bodies forever and are associated with higher risk of multiple cancers, reproductive damage, endocrine disruption, and developmental issues in children. Responding to agro-chemical and pharmaceutical industry pressure, the EPA is proceeding with a signficantly narrowed definition of what constitutes a PFAS — effectively allowing for continued use of PFAS in pesticides and our medicines and continuing to expose us to PFAS with no plan to assess the risk in order to protect all life. This is especially concerning since pesticides are already known to have adverse long-term impacts on our health and the science is out on the synergistic impacts of combining pesticides and these forever chemicals.
After emailing your legislator, call their office to amplify your concern and ask the representative to co-sponsor HR5987. Find your Congressperson here.
Call the Congressional switchboard and ask to be connected to your Congressperson, 202-224-3121.
