Alaska sues PFAS makers as lawmakers seek broader action from regulators

  • Source: KCAW 104.7 FM
  • Published: 04/08/2021 12:00 AM

The state of Alaska is suing manufacturers of a pair of the toxic PFAS compounds that have contaminated groundwater across the state. The lawsuit filed Wednesday (4-7-2021) names chemical giants 3M, Dupont and others. It comes the same day as a bill was filed compelling state regulators to take broader action on contaminated sites, many near small state-run airports in communities from like Gustavus and Yakutat which have a number of PFAS compounds in private wells. The 38-page legal complaint filed on behalf of Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor notes the companies produced knowingly for decades produced the toxic chemicals that do not break down in the environment and are highly soluble in water making it easily spread. ... The lawsuit focuses on two compounds — PFOS and PFOA — that are contained in firefighting foams commonly used at airports that are designed to suppress jet fuel fires. The PFAS chemicals do not break down and if ingested over time, can lead to health problems including cancers.



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