Why can’t U.S. manufacturers stop using PFAS? | READER COMMENTARY

Having survived cancer twice in my lifetime, I find it both enlightening and frightening to read the article, “EPA puts 2 forever chemicals on list of hazardous substances” (April 10).

Enlightening because I didn’t realize these hazardous substances known as PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are in so many products, such as cookware, stain-resistant rugs and even cosmetics, and have been since the 1940s! Frightening because these “forever chemicals” can accumulate and persist in the human body. Studies show that exposure to these chemicals can lead to cancer and other health problems.

My question is: Instead of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency putting these dangerous chemicals on the hazardous substances list, why not stop manufacturers from using forever chemicals in so many products in the first place?

— Shirley Carl, Towson

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