U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) on Jan. 8 cosponsored a bipartisan bill to require the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Research (ATSDR) to regularly assess and update clinical guidance regarding the health effects from exposure to toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
“PFAS and other harmful contaminants have been discovered in private water systems in Maine and across the country, and contamination will only become more evident as testing becomes more readily available,” Sen. Collins said. “This bipartisan bill would require the CDC to continuously update clinical guidance on the health effects of PFAS, helping to ensure that medical professionals and citizens have access to the latest information on these substances.”
The Better Care for PFAS Patients Act, S. 3598, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), would require the ATSDR to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) to assess the health effects of PFAS and formulate clinical recommendations within two years of enactment.
The NASEM also would be directed to update its assessment of PFAS health effects and clinical guidance every five years or more frequently as determined by ATSDR, and ensure ATSDR issues its own clinical guidance on addressing the health effects of PFAS within five years of enactment, and update that guidance every five years or more frequently as determined by ATSDR, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“As we learn more about the health effects of PFAS, it’s imperative that we take steps to help protect Americans who have high exposure to these toxic chemicals,” said Sen. Shaheen. “Finding new ways to support those impacted by PFAS will continue to be one of my top bipartisan priorities in Congress.”
The legislation has been endorsed by the Environmental Working Group, the Southern Environmental Law Center, Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water, Testing for Pease, and the National PFAS Contamination Coalition.