House approves bill requiring regulators to identify chemical products as health hazards News
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House approves bill requiring regulators to identify chemical products as health hazards

The US House of Representatives approved a bill Friday advocating for transparency regarding the dangers of many grease-resistant products.

The bill requires “the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.”

The polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, exist in a variety of nonstick items such as jackets and cooking supplies. These are considered “forever chemicals” that can remain in the human body for a lifetime and have been linked to risks for cancer. The bill is intended to motivate the Environmental Protection Agency to take action against these toxic chemicals that may harm the public. The bill was passed by the House in a vote of 245-159.