Ban harmful chemicals

It is with concern that I share this potential threat to our Connecticut drinking water and our threat to human health, animals and our environment.

A state newspaper recently published a Washington Post article about water contaminants known as PFAs, toxic chemicals that are used in many products and are flowing across our country including in Vermont, Massachusetts and here in our own state of Connecticut. Even though Connecticut has some of the strongest protections for our drinking water, PFAs are a real threat and do not break down in the environment. These toxic chemicals are leaching into our life and blood via AFFF firefighting foam for training.

Nonstick cookware, packaging and other products contain PFAs chemicals, even weatherproof garments. Washington state banned such products last year, 2018, to protect its community. Connecticut legislators and lawmakers must be proactive in monitoring our water for these horrific chemicals, known to be associated with many health problems; thyroid disruption, infertility and kidney, liver and testicular cancers. They do not belong in our lives. A leaching crisis can reach our dripping faucets. Federal protection to regulate them has been unsuccessful.

Connecticut must pass laws similar to Washington state to reduce contamination immediately, including the use of said AFFF and PFAs man-made toxic chemicals in food packaging and food service ware.

Our life depends on it.

Joyce Acebo-Raguskus,

Clean Water Action