U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) on July 23 introduced a bipartisan bill that would establish a grant program for providing training to physicians on the health effects of exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of man-made chemicals that are widely manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe.
“The grant program created in our legislation will provide resources so physicians can better understand PFAS chemicals,” Sen. Rounds said.
Many PFAS are showing up as being environmental contaminants around the country, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, which says they are linked to a large and growing list of adverse effects on human health.
Sen. Rounds cosponsored the Physician Education for PFAS Health Impacts Act, S. 4313, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to establish the grant program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fund the creation of training and education courses and materials for physicians and other medical professionals on the health effects of PFAS and best practices for caring for patients who have been exposed to PFAS.
“We are still learning about the full range of the effects of PFAS chemicals on the human body,” said Sen. Rounds. “As we learn more, we will be better able to diagnose PFAS-related illnesses and treat symptoms.”
PFAS chemicals have been found in private drinking water wells and U.S. military bases, according to information provided by Sen. Rounds’ office, as well as in soil, food sources, packaging, and other sources.
Citizens in more than 600 communities in at least 43 states are reportedly dealing with exposure to PFAS, which are associated with health effects such as birth defects, cancer and immune system dysfunction, according to the information.