State Representatives Troy and Rogers Introduce Legislation to Ban PFAS in Certain Products
COLUMBUS- State Representatives Daniel Troy (D-Willowick) and Elgin Rogers, Jr. (D-Toledo) today introduced House Bill (HB) 743, which would prohibit the sale or distribution of certain products containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Ohio.
Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not easily break down in the body or environment. Some types of PFAS can persist in air, water, and soil for over 1,000 years. Continued human exposure to the substance is known to cause adverse health effects, including cancer, developmental and reproductive damage, thyroid issues, and harm to the immune system, liver, kidneys, and other organs.
“I have always considered protecting our water quality and Lake Erie as one of my primary objectives. All of our Great Lakes neighbors agree that those particular products seriously threaten public health,” said Rep. Troy. “I am glad to be sponsoring this legislation with Representative Rogers, and I hope it helps to start a serious conversation about the harmful impacts of this invisible pollutant and what we can do about it.”
Legislation like HB 743 has been encouraged and supported by the Council of State Governments Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus, of which Reps. Troy and Rogers are members. The caucus consists of legislative membership from Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces and focuses on policies to restore, protect, and sustain the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River for current residents and future generations.
“Clean air, water, and soil should be guaranteed for all Ohioans,” said Rep. Rogers. “This bill reaffirms my long-standing commitment to fighting for safe water policies. I am thankful to my joint sponsor, Representative Troy, for joining me on such a vital bill that aims to protect the future of public health in our state.”
The bill, modeled on legislation currently in effect in Minnesota, would eliminate unnecessary PFAS from products that come into frequent contact with consumers, such as children’s products, cookware, cleaning supplies, carpets, furniture, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss. Safer alternatives are already available for these products, making the continued use of PFAS unnecessary and harmful. Twelve states have similar PFAS bans currently in effect or scheduled to take effect in the next few years.
The measure also includes exceptions to the ban for products containing PFAS that the Ohio EPA determines to be an essential component for which no feasible alternative exists, as well as products contacting PFAS that area already regulated under another governmental entity (i.e. firefighting foam, certain pesticides, and FDA-regulated medical devices and drugs).
HB 743 now awaits committee assignment by the House Rules and References Committee.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Reps. Troy and Rogers introducing the legislation is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Rep. Troy’s office.