New Hampshire Capitol Building. Photo: jiawangkun via Shutterstock
July 18, 2019 (CONCORD, NH) – Conservation Law Foundation released the following statement today after New Hampshire legislators voted to approve rules regulating four toxic PFAS in drinking water and groundwater throughout the state.
“PFAS chemicals are poisonous to humans and have no place in our water,” said Meredith Hatfield, Senior Attorney at CLF. “With the federal government dodging its responsibility on this critical issue, real action on the state level is the only way to combat this crisis. These rules are an important first step to protect the drinking water for New Hampshire families.”
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are suspected carcinogens and have been linked to a variety of severe health problems including learning disorders in infants and children, fertility and pregnancy issues and impaired liver, thyroid and pancreatic function. It’s estimated that almost every American has at least one of these substances in their blood.
Called ‘forever chemicals’ because they never fully break down, PFAS have been widely used in nonstick cookware, food wrappers, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil.
CLF has been pushing for stronger regulations across New England to protect the public from the dangers of PFAS. You can read more about that work here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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