A Utah physicians' group is urging for stricter pesticide controls to prevent exposure to harmful "forever chemicals" like PFAS, which pose risks to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children.
Alixel Cabrera reports for Utah News Dispatch.
In short:
- Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment is calling for state testing and bans on pesticides that contain PFAS, citing health risks.
- PFAS, found in everyday items and some pesticides, have been linked to cancers, developmental disorders and endocrine issues.
- Other states like Maine have stricter controls on PFAS in pesticides, which advocates hope Utah will adopt.
Key quote:
"Great damage has already been done. And without aggressive, urgent action, it will continue to get worse."
— Dr. Brian Moench, president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment.
Why this matters:
PFAS persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, leading to serious health issues. Tighter pesticide regulations could reduce exposure and improve public health in Utah.
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