Maine to prohibit ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging.
Environmental Regulators in Maine Take Steps to Ban ”Forever Chemicals” in Food Packaging
Environmental regulators in Maine are making significant strides in protecting public health by taking steps to ban “forever chemicals” in food packaging. This move positions Maine as one of the leading states in addressing this pressing issue.
The term “forever chemicals” refers to their incredibly slow decomposition rate, making them persist in the environment for an extended period. These chemicals, known as PFAS, are commonly used as water and oil-repellent linings in various food packaging items, including pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, and nonstick cookware.
The Dangers of PFAS
PFAS chemicals have been found in nearly half of the drinking water sources in the United States due to groundwater contamination. These chemicals have been linked to a range of illnesses and conditions, including reproductive system disruption, low birth weights, kidney disease, and cancer.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has released draft rules to regulate nine types of PFAS chemicals in food packaging, such as picnic plates, fast food wrappers, and take-out containers. These regulations will primarily target manufacturers with over $1 billion in sales, ensuring that major players in the market are held accountable while minimizing the impact on smaller companies.
Maine has already taken significant steps towards addressing PFAS contamination. In 2021, the state passed a law outlining a plan to phase out all PFAS in products sold within its borders by 2030.
DEP commissioner Melanie Loyzim emphasized the importance of source reduction in tackling PFAS contamination. She stated, “If we want to try to get it out of our waste stream and not have it continue to go into our environment, we have to do source reduction. And this is going to be an important part of that strategy.”
While some critics anticipate potential package shortages, Erika Schreder, the science director at Toxic-Free Future, has not heard of any such shortages. She mentioned that major food packaging manufacturers in the United States have already transitioned away from using PFAS.
Maine has been following Washington state’s lead in PFAS regulation. In 2019, Maine became the second state in the country to attempt to regulate the presence of these chemicals in single-use food packaging. Washington state conducted a thorough review of safer alternatives before implementing regulations earlier this year.
Approval from the state’s Board of Environmental Protection and legislature is still required for Maine’s proposed regulations to take effect.
The Pine Tree State has been at the forefront of addressing PFAS contamination. It became the first state to require testing for these chemicals in sludge, which has shown high levels in farmland where sludge was used as fertilizer. Maine has also mandated drinking water testing for PFAS since the end of 2022.
While Maine works on its regulations, the federal government is also taking action. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Michael Regan, has proposed federal regulations for PFAS. Additionally, a bipartisan group of senators, including Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Gary Peters (D-MI), has put forth a proposal in the Senate.
Overall, Maine’s efforts to ban “forever chemicals” in food packaging demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment.
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