Blumenthal & Shaheen Statement on DOD Prohibition on Procurement of Certain PFAS-Containing Items
Exposure to items containing PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver damage, asthma, and other serious long-term health conditions
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), lead Senate sponsors of the PFAS Free Military Purchasing Act, issued the following statements following a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) that the agency will prohibit the procurement of certain items that contain perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS and PFOA are members of a chemical group of per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dangerous and toxic chemicals commonly found in many everyday items like food service ware, carpets and rugs, clothing, and cosmetics.
“DOD’s new ban on purchasing certain items containing highly hazardous types of PFAS chemicals will help better protect the health of our armed forces. PFAS-free products are widely available and the DOD is helping lead the way in making the switch to healthier alternatives,” said Blumenthal. “Still, more action is necessary to eliminate all items containing these toxins from use to stop needlessly putting members of our military and their families at risk—and to spur the transition away from PFAS for all Americans. My and Senator Shaheen’s legislation would ban DOD from procuring any PFAS-containing items, and we will continue fighting for its passage for the sake of our servicemembers.”
“PFAS chemicals are a pernicious threat to the health of our service members and military families,” said Shaheen. “I am pleased that the Department has taken action to stop purchasing certain products that contain these hazards. I will continue to work to protect our service members and military families from unnecessary exposure to these chemicals.”
Blumenthal and Shaheen have long fought to reduce exposure of servicememembers and their families to harmful PFAS chemicals. In May 2021, Blumenthal and Shaheen led the introduction of the PFAS Free Military Purchasing Act to prohibit DOD procurement, purchasing, and selling of items that contain PFAS, including non-stick cookware and food service ware, food packaging materials, furniture, and more. PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.
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