AUGUSTA – The Maine Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee voted unanimously last week to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, aimed at supporting safe drinking water in Maine.
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| State Rep. Jessica Fay |
“I am proud that there is unanimous, bipartisan committee support for this bill,” said Fay. “Having access to safe, clean drinking water is fundamental to the health of our communities. Naturally occurring arsenic and other emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, can cause significant health problems and even developmental issues in younger children. This bill will help more people in Maine access clean well water and help keep our kids and grandkids safe.”
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
PFAS chemicals are used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Fluoropolymer coatings can be in a variety of products including clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire.
Many PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, and
perfluorooctanoic acid, pose a public health concern because they do not break
down in the environment, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water
sources, and build up in fish and wildlife.
Scientific studies have shown
that that these forever PFAS chemicals
may result in damage to the liver, thyroid, and pancreas; make it harder for a
woman to get pregnant; increase the risk of asthma; affect
growth, learning, and behavior in infants and children; and interfere with
natural human hormones.
Fay is serving her third term in the Maine Legislature and
represents parts of Casco, Poland and Raymond. She serves on the Legislature’s
Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and the Government Oversight
Committee. <
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