PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act
12/15/2023, 4:07 PMSummary of Bill S 1360
Bill 118 s 1360, also known as the PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to address the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the environment and its potential impact on human health.PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, immune system disorders, and reproductive issues.
The PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act seeks to improve our understanding of the extent of PFAS contamination in the environment and its potential impact on human health. The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a comprehensive plan for assessing and documenting PFAS exposure in communities across the country. Specifically, the bill would require the EPA to: - Develop a national sampling plan to assess PFAS contamination in drinking water, air, soil, and food. - Establish a process for collecting and analyzing data on PFAS exposure in at-risk populations, such as firefighters, military personnel, and communities living near PFAS manufacturing facilities. - Create a public database to track and report on PFAS contamination levels and exposure assessments. - Provide funding for research on the health effects of PFAS exposure and potential treatment options. Overall, the PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act aims to improve our understanding of the risks associated with PFAS contamination and to develop strategies for mitigating those risks. By requiring the EPA to develop a comprehensive plan for assessing and documenting PFAS exposure, the bill seeks to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of these chemicals.
Congressional Summary of S 1360
PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to include in various health evaluations an assessment of whether a member of the Armed Forces has been exposed to perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS.
Specifically, the bill requires DOD to ensure that any periodic health assessment, physical assessment for recently separated members, pre-deployment medical examination, post-deployment medical examination, and post-deployment health reassessment provided to a member of the Armed Forces includes an evaluation of whether the member has been exposed to PFAS or was based or stationed at a military installation with a known or suspected release of PFAS during the period the member was there.
If any of the evaluations result in a positive determination of potential exposure to PFAS, DOD must provide blood testing during the evaluation to be included in the member's health record.
DOD must pay for blood testing to determine and document potential exposure to PFAS for former members of the Armed Forces or family members of such members who lived at a location identified by DOD as having a known or suspected PFAS release during the time the individuals lived there.
DOD must share results of the evaluations with the Department of Veterans Affairs and establish a registry of members of the Armed Forces who have been exposed to, or suspected to have been exposed to, PFAS. Members may elect to be excluded from the registry.
