http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clean-drinking-water-s5.jpgRep. Staush Gruszynski says bill would protect Wisconsin families from the harmful effects of man-made chemicals including PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and others through the ban of PFAS in food packaging applications.

MADISON - This afternoon, State Representative Staush Gruszynski (D-Green Bay), State Representative Amanda Stuck (D-Appleton), State Representative Chris Taylor (D-Madison) and Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) introduced legislation that would protect Wisconsin families from the harmful effects of PFAS through the ban of PFAS in food packaging applications. If passed, Wisconsin would join other eight other states including Minnesota and Michigan.

“Though drinking water contamination has been the most prevalent topic currently, since the 1940’s manufacturers have been using PFAS in food packaging as a grease-proofing agent. It is estimated that over half of our contact with PFAS comes from our food. With the list of known health concerns due PFAS exposure ever increasing, it is important that we take steps to protect Wisconsin families” Gruszynski stated.

Senator Tim Carpenter shared his support with the following, “With PFAS being linked to so many health concerns, Wisconsin families deserve that we take action on this issue. PFAS have been shown to not only lead to various cancers, but also to problems with fertility and incidents of the thyroid. It has been a great pleasure to work with Representative Gruszynski on this important piece of legislation.”

“This year, we have seen bipartisan efforts to begin to address PFAS contamination in drinking water across the State of Wisconsin,” stated Rep. Amanda Stuck. “I am proud to support this legislation which will help to reduce PFAS exposure from other sources like food packaging. I am hopeful that this proposal to help improve the health of Wisconsin families will also receive support from both sides of the aisle.”

“People in communities throughout the state are drinking PFAS-contaminated water, playing in polluted waterways, and eating contaminated food like fish,” said Rep. Chris Taylor. “But if that wasn’t enough, the food they feed their families is also being served and stored in PFAS-laced containers. Families deserve the peace of mind that food containers are safe and will not harm their families, and I’m proud to support this legislation to do just that.”