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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 6, 2023 12:20 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kristine C. Howard |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Keeping forever chemicals out of our food |
| Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries since the 1940s. PFAS chemicals accumulate over time, both in the environment and in the human body, and have been shown to lead to adverse health effects in humans, such as increased cholesterol levels, thyroid problems, fetal development issues, and weakened immune systems. Research also suggests these so-called forever chemicals can lead to further reproductive issues, liver issues, asthma, and cancer. Food is often contaminated with PFAS through the unnecessary addition of these chemicals to the packaging. To address this issue, I plan on re-introducing legislation prohibiting the sale, distribution, and manufacturing of any food packaging containing PFAS within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Eliminating PFAS from food packaging is a small but significant step we must take in protecting our citizens and our environment from these harmful and eternal chemicals. Please join me in supporting this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1122