An analysis of data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) estimates that at least 95% of Americans have PFAS chemicals in their bodies. PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals that have seen wide use in consumer products since the 1940’s. PFAS are generally highly durable and water-resistant, and as a result are referred to as “forever chemicals” as they can persist in the environment, water, air, soil and even the human body for long periods of time.

Because of the many kinds of PFAS and their wide range of uses, they are difficult to study; however, many studies have found that exposure to certain types of PFAS can have serious impacts on human health including, decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, increased risk of certain cancers, hormone disruption, inhibited immune system responses and more.

While efforts by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have taken effective steps that already have or are estimated to reduce the levels of PFAS exposure of Americans, there are still many sources of exposure that are not well understood. As the ingestion of contaminated food and water is one of the most common avenues of human exposure, it is critical that we fully understand how these chemicals enter our food and water supplies. Recent studies have highlighted that land-applied biosolids (treated sewage sludge) can contain high levels of certain PFAS chemicals, which may pose an increased risk of food and water contamination.

For that reason, I will soon be introducing a bill directing the DEP to conduct a study on PFAS in biosolids in Pennsylvania to better understand the potential risks that land-applied biosolids pose to the accumulation of PFAS in the environment, our food and water supply and potential mitigation measures to reduce PFAS levels in biosolids.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.