Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. This class of chemicals are widely used to make carpets, fabrics for furniture, Teflon coatings for cookware, paper packaging for food and other everyday materials. They’re even used in firefighting foam (aqueous film forming foam; AFFF) for both civilian and military purposes. PFAS chemicals can’t be broken down in an environment and effectively poison water sources. Right now, scientists estimate that more than 100 million Americans are drinking PFAS-contaminated water. This contamination is strongly linked to cancer, thyroid problems, reproductive system damage and stunting of children’s growth and development. According to this map compiled by Northeastern University there are nine locations where PFAS contaminated drinking water has been identified, as well as five additional sites including four military bases, in Ohio alone.
Right now, the House of Representatives and Senate have a major opportunity to pass strong and urgent protections against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—chemicals that cause contamination in water systems. The 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a bipartisan, proposed budget that includes several pieces to regulate widespread PFAS use and contamination. However, the White House has threatened to veto the NDAA over two key provisions that would protect Americans— namely service members and their families who’ve been drinking contaminated drinking water for decades— against PFAS chemicals. You can read more about the passage through the House here.
Everyone, no matter zip code, gender or race, deserves clean drinking water. We must safeguard frontline communities from the damage of PFAS. We must call on the government to protect public health and the environment. For populations most susceptible to chemical contamination—like women, children and servicemembers— we need solutions centered on phasing out these chemicals and making urgent the cleanup of the contamination left behind.
What can you do to help?
- Send a comment to Congress asking them to pass a strong Defense Bill that cleans up the military's toxis chemical crisis!
- Interested in writing a letter to the editor or hosting a letter writing party about this issue? Contact Emily Obringer at emily.obringer@sierraclub.org for resources.
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Want to set up a meeting with your legislator regarding PFAS? Check out this helpful guide or contact Elissa Yoder Mann at elissa.yoder@sierraclub.org.