Tuesday will see the Senate Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. voted unanimouslyTo send the George Walter Taylor ActTo the Senate Floor. The bipartisan bill, sponsored jointly by Senator Sarah Elfreth (Delegate Sara Love), restricts the use PFAS chemicals for food packaging and switches to safer alternatives to fire-fighting sprays. It requires notification for firefighters who wear equipment containing PFAS. It also stops the incineration and landfilling of PFAS foam. To help counties and municipalities with the financial burden of keeping the toxic foam in storage, a bill amendment was added.
Named after SB273/HB275 George Walter Taylor, a veteran of the fire department for 31 yearsWho died from occupational health cancers caused by PFAS exposure. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, 75% of firefighters die from cancer in their line of duty.
“I cant bring Walter back, but we owe it to him and the families of Walters fellow firefighters to do everything we can to reduce their exposure to PFAS and other cancer-causing chemicals,explained Christine Taylor, a nurse in Southern Maryland and wife of Walter Taylor.By passing this law, Maryland can protect the lives of our firefighting brothers and sisters, so they can continue to protect your life and the lives of Maryland families.
The Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland, as well as public health and environmental advocates, are supporting the bill. Maryland PIRG, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network (the Natural Resources Defense Council), and many other groups.
According to Emily Scarr, Maryland PIRG Director, toxic PFAS chemicals are a common exposure for toddlers when they drink water. I hope that the Maryland legislature and Governor will follow my lead. Hogan will follow in the footsteps of the Senate Environment and Health Committee and pass the George Walter Taylor Act immediately to protect firefighters and families from toxic forever chemicals.
PFAS chemicals can be found in fire-fighting foams and rugs, carpets, as well as food packaging. They leach into our food, water, and air and accumulate in our bodies.They have been shown to have harmful effects on the health of individuals.Thyroid disruption, cancer, and reduced vaccine response. These chemicals can also adhere to and penetrate firefighter protective gear, increasing the risk of being exposed. They can cause cancer and pose a threat to firefighter health when they burn.
The bill now moves to the Senate Floor. The Health and Government Operations Committee is currently examining the House companion bill.