People across the state and country are exposed to PFAS chemicals in consumer products, food and food packaging, and drinking water. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancer and other illnesses. Urge your Maryland legislators to pass the PFAS Protection Act (SB195/HB22) introduced by Sen. Sarah Elfreth & Del. Sara Love.

Maryland, like many states, does not require testing for PFAS in drinking water, but independent testing has uncovered contamination in drinking water, seafood, and our waterways.[1][2] Recent research found high levels of PFAS chemicals in striped bass, blue crab and oyster from the Chesapeake Bay, as well as in drinking water. [3]

Marylanders are also exposed to PFAS in consumer products in our homes and in food and food packaging. Your state legislators are considering the PFAS Protection Act this week, so they need to hear from you.

Please tell your state legislators to protect public health by restricting the use and disposal of toxic PFAS chemicals in Maryland.

PFAS chemicals don’t break down in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” They also build up in our bodies over time -- a dangerous combination.

Firefighting foam is a major source of PFAS contamination, but safer PFAS-free foams already exist and have been adopted in other states.

It's time for Maryland to switch to safer alternatives in fire fighting foam and to stop the use of PFAS chemicals in food packaging, rugs and carpets. We should also restrict the mass disposal of these chemicals to ensure our air and drinking water are protected from PFAS incineration and landfilling.

Please tell them: It’s time to protect Marylanders from PFAS Pollution.

In an age of remarkable technological progress, we should be able to make household products without putting our drinking water and health at risk.

[1]‘Forever chemicals’ found in Chesapeake seafood and Maryland drinking water, Chesapeake Bay Journal, Nov. 17, 2020.

[2] PFAS in Antietam Creek Study, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, June 2020

[3] More PFAS Found in Maryland Water and Seafood, PEER, Nov. 16, 2020.

P.S. RSVP for Feb 18 panel discussion: Local Efforts to Research & Stop PFAS, the Forever Chemicals.