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Gillibrand Backs Bill That Limits Public Exposure To PFAS Chemicals

ITHACA, NY (WSKG) - New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced legislation to set specific limits on the amount PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals that can be released into the environment.

PFAS chemicals are synthetic compounds used in many household products,  including food packaging, household cleaners and nonstick cookware.

Contamination of ground and drinking water in and around the village of Hoosick Falls, New York prompted the EPA to declare them superfund sites.

Gillibrand said the legislation would address how companies discharge and dispose of the chemicals. Companies would need a Clean Water Act permit to do so. 

The EPA would be required to set limits on the amount of PFAS chemicals that could be released into the environment.

Gillibrand said, "We need to be addressing PFAS chemicals at their source, before they make our water harmful and before communities have to pay the price of costly remediation efforts themselves."

The former presidential candidate said, as carcinogens, she would eventually like to have all PFAS chemicals banned.