Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill to phase out PFAS chemicals in Connecticut but indicated it needs adjustments to avoid product shortages.
Mark Pazniokas reports for The Connecticut Mirror.
In short:
- The new law lacks a waiver process for products without viable PFAS alternatives.
- Governor Lamont emphasized this omission, noting it could impact items like non-stick cookware.
- The legislature may need to consider exemptions for certain PFAS chemicals or introduce a waiver process.
Key quote:
“. . . there may be challenges in the wide-spread manufacture and distribution of affordable cookware and certain other categories of products, such as outdoor apparel manufactured with alternatives to PFAS that perform with similar functionality.”
— Gov. Ned Lamont
Why this matters:
PFAS chemicals, linked to health issues such as cancer and liver damage, are pervasive in many consumer products. While the intent of the bill is commendable, it may require fine-tuning to prevent potential product shortages. This acknowledgment highlights the complex balance between ensuring public health and maintaining the availability of essential goods. PFAS chemicals are commonly found in items such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam, making their phase-out a challenging task.
