Newton City Council Unanimously Votes “No” on PFAS

On February 5th the Newton City Council unanimously approved a resolution requiring the city to avoid the purchase or use of products containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, called PFAS or “forever chemicals.” While Massachusetts regulates PFAS in drinking water and groundwater, we are in the minority of states that have not banned the presence of PFAS in products. This city council vote is a big deal, setting a precedent for other municipalities.

What are PFAS?

PFAS (Per- and Polypolyfluoroalkyl substances) are used to create coatings and products that are resistant to heat, water, and stains. (PFAS are often associated with non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets and furniture, and fire-protective equipment.)  PFAS are more commonly known as “forever chemicals” because of their inability to break down in the environment. Instead, these chemicals pass through soil and water, bioaccumulating in organisms as they move up the food chain. While the long-term effects of PFAS exposure are uncertain, some PFAS have been associated with health effects in humans even at very low levels (some parts per trillion) such as certain kinds of cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system effects. Read this EPA article to learn more about PFAS, and check out this CDC factsheet.