PFAS chemicals can be found in soil, drinking water, the air, food packaging, cosmetics, cookware, various household products, and industrial workplaces—resulting in widespread exposure to humans and the environment. Bastiaan Slabbers / NurPhoto / Getty Images By Jenna McGuire Maine enacted a groundbreaking law on Thursday, banning the use of so-called "forever chemicals" in all products by 2030, except in instances deemed "currently unavoidable." Maine is the first state in the U.S. and first government in the world to implement a ban on the toxic chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl, known as PFAS, which are notorious for not breaking down easily in the environment and can remain in a person’s body for decades after exposure. "I am proud to see Maine taking action that will change the conversation on how PFAS are regulated, not only addressing the entire class, but creating the requirement to avoid these persistent and toxic chemicals wherever possible," said Patrick MacRoy, the deputy director of Defend Our Health, a public health organization in Maine that coordinated with experts and community advocates to get the bill passed. The man-made chemicals can be found in soil, drinking water, the air, food packaging, cosmetics, cookware, various household products, and […]
Latest Articles
Scientists Discover How to Stop Banana Peels from Browning
Takeaways: Researchers are looking to understand and prevent banana peels from browning to reduce the amount of the food waste.
They say that browning...
Lawyers File on Behalf of Elephant to Make Her a Legal Person
Takeaways: Happy is an elephant based in New York who has been living at the Bronx Zoo for over 40 years.
Activists have filed...
Jet Fuel from Paper Industry Waste Could Make Airplanes Cleaner
Takeaways: Researchers are using lignin to make a jet fuel that has lower emissions than petroleum based fuels.
The paper produces millions of tons...
Californian Cow Burps Have Been Detected by Satellites. Here’s Why that Matters
Takeaways: Satellites have detected methane emissions from cow's burps from a feedlot in California.
The ability to measure and pinpoint methane emissions is a...
Bamboo Diapers are Better for your Wallet and the Planet
Takeaways: DYPER bamboo diapers have no latex, alcohol, chlorine, lotion, phthalates or TBT.
These diapers are made out of fibers from responsibly-sourced bamboo.
“We...
10 Ways Sustainability and Your Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Takeaways: Some ways sustainability and health are interconnected include how we manage the food we eat and how it impacts climate change.
The way...