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Northeastern University expert recommends state task force test blood for chemical contaminant PFAS

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(AP Photo/Ellen Knickmeyer)
In this June 17, 2019 photo in Washington, a label states that these pans do not contain PFAS.

WBUR, July 2021

Offering blood testing for people in areas exposed to PFAS, additional funds for statewide research, education, and surveillance, and passing laws restricting the use of certain firefighting foam and food packaging were all part of a set of recommendations a top academic expert offered this week to a state task force investigating the impact of the chemicals in Massachusetts.

The advice, offered by Northeastern University Social Science Director Environmental Health Research Institute Director Dr. Phil Brown, comes as state legislators and stakeholders take a deep dive into the effect of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, on public health and the environment.

During a Tuesday morning hearing, members of the PFAS Interagency Task Force—co-chaired by Sen. Julian Cyr and Rep. Kate Hogan—focused on water and ground contamination ahead of issuing a report by Dec. 31.

Continue reading at WBUR.

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