Environmental groups and local residents in the Metro East want state lawmakers to pass legislation that would ban the incineration of a toxic class of chemicals known as PFAS.
The bill by Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, which advanced on Wednesday, would prohibit disposing of any PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) through burning, mirroring a law in New York.
PFAS refers broadly to thousands of synthetic chemicals found in common household products like nonstick cookware, clothing and stain repellent for carpet. It’s also one of the main components of many firefighting foams stored at municipal and military installations.
It has been linked to groundwater contamination, and exposure can cause cancer and other serious health ailments. Read more…
