States battle with two major industries over potential threats to public health: 'We don't want to give a pass'
A growing number of U.S. states is taking matters into their own hands to restrict or outlaw per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS — a group of chemicals colloquially referred to as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down and persist for thousands of years.
This has drawn the ire of chemical and consumer products industries, as Wired reported.
According to Safer States — an organization that advocates to protect communities from toxic chemicals — at least 29 states will likely consider legislation to reduce PFAS exposure in 2025.
Eleven states already have regulations restricting certain PFAS in drinking water, while 12 have guidance, health advisory, or notification levels for some forever chemicals.
However, Wired reported that the chemical and consumer products industries won't change their ways without a fight.
They have begun pushing state policymakers to alleviate concerns about the safety of their products, and they argue that states with PFAS bans could face supply-chain disruptions.
A cookware manufacturer even sued to prevent a Minnesota law to ban the sale and distribution of PFAS-laden cookware from going into effect, per Minnesota Public Radio.
Because of their resistance to breaking down, PFAS can accumulate in our bodies.
Peer-reviewed research has connected exposure to these chemicals to cancer, reproductive complications, hormonal disruption, reduced immune system function, higher cholesterol levels, and behavioral changes in children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
James Kenney, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Environment Department, shared with Wired that a 2021 furniture shopping trip with his husband turned into a wake-up call.
Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home?
Majorly
Sometimes
Not really
I don't know enough about them
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
When a sales associate asked whether they were interested in adding a fabric protectant to their purchase, the couple asked to see a product data sheet. They were surprised that the protectant contained PFAS.
"I think about your normal, everyday New Mexican who is trying to get by, make their furniture last a little longer, and they think, 'Oh, it's safe, great!' It's not safe," Kenney said. "It just so happens that they tried to sell it to the environment secretary."
New Mexico is among the states looking to safeguard public health by tackling PFAS. According to Wired, it has two pending bills that would ban consumer products containing PFAS.
And while the Food and Drug Administration has allowed PFAS — known for their water- and stain-resistant properties — in many products that come into contact with food since the 1960s, in recent years, it has taken steps to limit dietary exposure.
In 2024, for instance, it ruled that grease-proofing materials that relied on PFAS could no longer be used in food packaging. The agency also announced standards to limit exposure in drinking water. As of April 15, the Trump administration hadn't announced whether it would roll back any water-related protections, but a week prior, The Hill reported a decision was expected soon.
Gretchen Salter, the policy director at Safer States, acknowledged to Wired that phasing out PFAS wouldn't be an overnight process but underscored it was worth it.
"There might be essential uses for PFAS right now," Salter said after a coalition of chemical manufacturers and business groups petitioned the EPA to recognize that PFAS have "very diverse and necessary properties," writing, "They cannot all be regulated in the same way."
Salter concluded: "But we want to spur the search for safer alternatives, because we don't want to give a pass to chemicals that are harming human health. By exempting them altogether, you are completely removing that incentive."
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
WIRED
32 minutes ago
- WIRED
How to Prepare for a Climate Disaster in Trump's America
Jun 5, 2025 5:30 AM Here's how to find reliable information and keep safe during the summer heat and hurricane season following the unprecedented cuts at federal agencies. A brush fire in Southern California. Photograph:Forecasters within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict this summer's hurricane season, which started June 1, will be 'above average' in terms of activity. NOAA's temperature outlook, meanwhile, also forecasts hotter-than-usual temperatures across the whole US this summer. But as climate change juices up severe storms and wildfires and makes heat waves even deadlier, cuts at all levels across the US federal government have thrown agencies tasked with preparing the country for disasters—and helping it recover—into chaos. These cuts are already having real impacts for Americans. As of mid-May, amid intense staffing losses at NOAA, four of the National Weather Service's 122 stations around the country no longer had enough personnel to keep an overnight shift going, while several other stations were considering stopping 24/7 forecasting operations. Historically, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers have gone door-to-door offering services to citizens in disaster areas, but as WIRED reported last month, the agency is discontinuing this practice this year. FEMA workers have told WIRED that they don't feel the agency is ready for disaster season. Being ready for a disaster has never been more important. WIRED spoke with experts to bring you a guide to how to prepare—and what to look out for. Listen to local authorities Regardless of what's unfolding at the federal level, local- and state-level emergency management departments or agencies are the ones who alert the public and lead the initial response before, during, and after a disaster. Many of these organizations offer text alert systems and post regular updates on social media. Local fire departments and police offices may also maintain social media pages or send out alerts in tandem with these agencies; law enforcement may also announce curfews or other rules during disasters. Follow any warnings from these agencies to shelter, evacuate, or take other actions to stay safe. If you're not sure where to start in terms of seeking information, FEMA maintains a searchable database of disaster resources by state, which includes state and local emergency management agencies. Calling 211 can also help connect you with service providers in your area. Local news organizations often amplify communications from emergency management officials. Local and state politicians—including governors' press offices—can also be a valuable source of information. Know what you need to shelter in place—and what you need to quickly evacuate The Red Cross recommends that people prepare a set of disaster supplies at home as well as a separate, smaller group of supplies in a bag to grab for a quick evacuation. At home, the organization recommends having two weeks' worth of shelf-stable food in case of an emergency. For adequate hydration, the CDC recommends a gallon of water per day for each member of the household for three days. (Don't forget food and water for your pets, too.) Take note of any medical needs in your household and try to keep a backup supply of medications on hand. Batteries, flashlights, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, and hygiene items should also make it into your home kit. In your go bag, FEMA recommends packing three days' worth of food and water, physical maps of local areas, a change of clothing, and copies of important documents. According to a checklist from the agency, these should include birth certificates, medical information, copies of your rental contract or home lease and insurance policies, car titles and registration, and banking information, sealed in a waterproof container or bag. Consider adding items specific to your climate or geographic setting (sunscreen for desert conditions or extra layers in colder areas) as well as items specific to your household needs (pet medications, diapers for a baby, etc.). Practice for emergencies 'Knowing your location first and what it could be at risk for is really going to help you prepare' for what could be coming, says Nicole Maul, a national spokesperson for the Red Cross. a FEMA-affiliated resource, currently maintains a list of hazards with safety pointers for each, while FEMA's National Risk Index allows you to see which hazards your county is most exposed to. Practicing emergency scenarios can mean anything from testing out a new hand-cranked radio, to mapping out different exit routes from your area in case main roads are impassable, to coordinating with friends and family about who to touch base with if something happens. Mariel Fonteyn, the director of US emergency response at the disaster-relief nonprofit Americares, recommends writing important phone numbers down on a piece of paper and preparing ahead of time for a scenario where communications might not work as usual. 'If networks are overwhelmed, phone calls won't go through, but text messages will eventually,' she says. 'Depending on what happens with the network, text messages outside of the damaged area tend to go through better. If you have family or a friend who lives in a different state, sometimes everybody messaging to that person will be better than trying to message to each other within the damaged area—if your family's kind of spread all over when a disaster occurs, have everyone know that you all message Grandma to let her know everything is OK.' In some cases, knowing how to safely handle emergency supplies and situations can be the difference between life or death. Fonteyn says that deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning are not uncommon following extended power outages, because of people improperly using generators they are unaccustomed to. 'If you have a generator, make sure that you fully know how to use it safely, and where to put it safely, so that it's not sending fumes into where you're staying,' she says. Never use them inside. Be prepared for how the political climate may affect federal responses after disasters After a disaster hits that's too big for a state to handle on its own, a governor can request a disaster declaration from the White House. This declaration enables FEMA to come to the affected area to coordinate recovery. The declaration also opens up a range of services for survivors, from federal money to help with grants to pay for temporary housing, legal assistance, repairs to homes, and relief from tax bills, as well as help for states to do everything from rebuilding infrastructure to restoring utilities like water and electricity. These declarations, however, can fall prey to political winds. In 2020, it was widely reported that President Donald Trump's personal conflict with Governor Jay Inslee of Washington prevented him from issuing a federal disaster declaration for the state in the wake of devastating wildfires in eastern Washington. Even political allies are now finding it difficult to secure aid: The White House initially denied a disaster declaration request from Arkansas in April following tornadoes and storms this spring, with Trump changing his mind only after a phone call with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. And with the agency seemingly in turmoil as it enters disaster season—including, as WIRED reported, canceling its strategic plan before it had another in place—it remains to be seen how effective its response will be for approved declarations. FEMA keeps an active list of approved presidential disaster declarations on its website, with links to federal resources for survivors and instructions on how to apply for aid. Keep relying on weather forecasts—but find a trusted source to help interpret them Cuts to NOAA are hitting hard at the National Weather Service, the bedrock of weather forecasting in the United States, which has lost 600 employees since the start of the year. The NWS was already short-staffed before the start of this year, says Alan Gerard, a former director at NOAA's National Severe Storms Lab who left the agency in March. Forcing other offices to stretch to cover monitoring for those with fewer staff, he says, raises the chances of 'human error.' 'If we get into a situation where we have a number of hurricanes or tropical storms threatening the same area, and you have an office that's already depleted with staffing, you're basically increasing the burden on that office,' he says. (In early June, NOAA announced that it would hire back 100 Weather Service employees across the country—an effort Gerard says will take months of precious time during this hurricane season to actually implement.) 'It's not a situation where people need to be panicked that all of a sudden a Category 5 hurricane is just gonna appear and we're not gonna have had any inkling of it,' Gerard says. 'It's more of a situation of, OK, we can't fly as many reconnaissance missions into these hurricanes as we ordinarily do.' Gerard says people should still have confidence in NOAA's systems and its dedicated staff: 'The National Hurricane Center should still be your primary source for hurricane information.' The NWS allows users to sign up for text message alerts. But finding a trusted local meteorologist or weather analyst can help people understand gaps in forecasting or unclear data, in case some forecasts are less comprehensive than they were in the past. Understand your insurance and keep your documentation in order Navigating insurance—especially home insurance—is a headache even in normal times, especially as insurance rates are skyrocketing across the country. Part of making sure that your home is properly insured ahead of a disaster is understanding what, exactly, that insurance covers—and what it doesn't. Flood insurance, for instance, is sold separately from private home insurance, in a federal program run out of FEMA. Usually, only homeowners situated in specific flood zones are required to buy it, even though other regions can be vulnerable: Most people hit by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina last year did not have flood insurance. Land movement insurance—insuring against events like mudslides and earthquates—is not included in most homeowner policies, while condo building insurance usually only covers damages to the exterior of the building, not inside your apartment. Fonteyn recommends keeping photos of the interior of your home—including any expensive items—on your phone to use with your insurance provider or with FEMA's assistance programs. 'A lot of times, insurance and FEMA are looking to restore things to pre-disaster condition,' she says. 'You want to be able to prove the pre-disaster condition was good.' Don't forget about the dangers of heat A study published last year found that heat-related deaths have more than doubled in the US over the past 25 years. Yet extreme heat events have not traditionally been treated as federal disasters, meaning FEMA does not come in to help. During a heat wave, it's best to connect with local emergency management departments for guidance. Both and the CDC currently maintain resource pages with tips on how to prepare for and stay safe during extreme heat events. The CDC resource, however, comes from the CDC's Climate and Health program, which was gutted as part of mass firings at the agency in April. (We've linked to the archived version in case this resource is removed.) Think about your emotional needs—and keep community in mind Fonteyn recommends including activities—knitting, card games, favorite books, toys for children—in go bags. The immediate aftermath of a disaster—especially if you have to stay in an emergency shelter or hotel—can be challenging mentally. 'The hurricane doesn't hit and then a month later everything is back to normal,' she says. 'It takes a lot of time and requires a lot of patience. Ultimately, having these even basic comfort items can go such a long way in protecting your mental health after a disaster, so that you're able to better focus on all of the other needs that you have.' The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) maintains a free helpline for those experiencing mental health crises—although recent cuts at the agency have impacted the helpline's staff. The Red Cross also has a helpline specifically for those recovering from disasters needing emotional support. Above all, experts say that the best disaster plans often start with preparing the community around you. 'Check in with your family, check in with your neighbors, because those'll be the folks who you'll want to stay connected with in the event of an emergency,' says Maul.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bill would cover ‘Forever Chemical' exposure at bases under VA benefits
A bipartisan bill would allow veterans with health issues caused by exposure to 'forever chemicals' at U.S. military bases to be treated as service-connected disabilities, which would further open the door to health care and benefits compensation for those impacted. Forever chemicals, more technically known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are long-lasting chemicals that break down slowly. They are found in many everyday objects, food, and in air, water, and soil around the world, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The bill, titled 'Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act,'' or the ''VET PFAS Act,' would designate exposure to PFAS as a service-connected condition for veterans, making them eligible for disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs. It would also allow military dependents, including those 'in utero while the mother' resided at a base with PFAS exposures, to be eligible for hospital care and medical services for certain diseases and conditions, according to the text of the bill. If passed, the legislation would be a major expansion of health conditions and illnesses for which veterans could receive VA care and disability benefits. The bill was introduced in the House on May 29 by New York Rep. Josh Riley, a Democrat, and Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican, and builds upon measures from the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. The PACT Act, passed in 2022, was the largest expansion of service-connected health conditions eligible for VA care, including service members exposed to burn pits during Iraq and Afghanistan deployments, for Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange-related chemicals, and very specific instances of base exposures. The Department of Defense has identified 718 bases with known or suspected PFAS release. The military estimates that PFAS investigation and cleanup costs could come to more than $9.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, which was more than triple the estimate in 2022. Since 2017, the Defense Department has spent around $2.6 billion to address PFAS, according to a Government Accountability report from February. The bill states that covered health conditions would be identified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the agency administrator of the Department of Health and Human Services' registry for toxic substances and diseases. Their suggestions would come from studies directed by Congress in the annual defense bill for fiscal year 2018, which are ongoing from the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC's website on health investigations states that existing research suggests that high levels of PFAS could lead to increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, decreases in birth weight, and increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers. The bill specifically calls for health care coverage of perfluorooctanoic acid exposures for veterans diagnosed with high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Other iterations of the legislation have been previously introduced. Some Democratic senators have expressed interest in crafting their own PFAS bill, but nothing formal has been introduced yet, a spokesperson for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee told Task & Purpose. The issue of forever chemicals on military bases and their health impacts on military families has been gaining support in Congress. In April, Senate Democrats held an event on the Hill with former service members and their families who called for a broadening of the PACT Act. At the April event, military families described cancers and other illnesses they believe are the result of PFAS exposures, including former bases like George Air Force Base, California, which later became superfund sites, a designation by the EPA as one of the most polluted sites in the U.S. Despite the designation, the families based there were never notified of their potential exposure. The PACT Act also established a framework for the VA to establish presumptive conditions without an act of Congress through the federal rule-making process. The VA began the process for defining PFAS exposure as a presumptive health condition for VA care with a federal register notice in September. However, an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January paused all federal rule-making. Navy SEAL Team 6 operator will be the military's new top enlisted leader Veterans receiving disability payments might have been underpaid, IG finds Guam barracks conditions are 'baffling,' Navy admiral says in email Navy fires admiral in charge of unmanned systems office after investigation The Pentagon wants troops to change duty stations less often
WIRED
a day ago
- WIRED
Adjustable Mattress vs. Adjustable Frame: Similar but Not the Same
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they're totally separate products. Here's what you should be looking for if you're in the market. All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. One of my pet peeves as a professional mattress tester of over five years? Using the titles 'adjustable mattress' and 'adjustable frame' interchangeably when they are, in fact, different things altogether. It doesn't help that these products come up within the same search and are often labeled as the same thing—of course they're going to get mixed up. It's time to set the record straight and 'adjust' your understanding of all things adjustable mattresses. Under my wing you go to begin this journey. Adjustable Mattresses What is an adjustable mattress? Simply put, it's designed to let users modify how soft- or firm-feeling they want their bed to be. Adjustable beds don't follow the same layout as a normal mattress, because they involve internal air chambers that help you accomplish the firmness you're seeking. While a glorified air mattress may come to mind (and arguably, that is basically what it is), there is a lot involved in the material makeup here. To pump up these air chambers, there is so much tech, tubing, and incorporated programming by way of embedded computer chips and apps involved with an adjustable mattress. Hence, they aren't budget buys. Take Sleep Number, for example. While it isn't the only mattress capable of adjusting its own firmness, it is one of the priciest and most renowned given the incorporated apps, sleep tracking, and extra features, depending on the model you go for. For example, the Sleep Number Climate360 (5/10, WIRED Review) is nearly $10,000 and lets you also adjust temperature as well as firmness). Depending on the brand and model you choose, another common feature among adjustable mattresses is the ability to shift the top and bottom both up and down. Some models may not include this, depending on the brand and iteration, but it's also a driver of cost. This feature is where adjustable frames and mattresses are probably getting confused, as the bed is able to accomplish this range of motion only with the use of an adjustable frame. Adjustable Frames Many brands (like Sleep Number) will recommend you add an adjustable frame to your purchase so you can enjoy the full offerings of your new mattress. Other times, you can purchase an adjustable frame (also known as an adjustable base) to use with a regular bed-in-a-box mattress. In these cases, it's absolutely crucial that you confirm the mattress—whether it's memory foam or a hybrid—is able to work with an adjustable frame, lest you break the internal support system. The easiest way to verify is to reach out to a brand's customer service team to confirm whether the bed you're considering works with an adjustable frame. Never assume you're good to go right off the bat. But keep in mind that you will only be able to move the mattress to various angles, not adjust the overall firmness. Also, from experience, let's say you put a hybrid mattress that's approved to use on an adjustable frame—the popping of the pocketed coils within isn't the most pleasant noise to listen to. Or feel, for that matter. Stay Flexible To recap: You can use an adjustable mattress without an adjustable base. But if your mattress has the capability to move its head and foot in a vertical motion, and you're paying for this feature with the overall cost of the bed, are you truly enjoying the full offerings of the bed (and what you paid for)? Similarly, you can use an adjustable base with an approved mattress, but you'll only get the up-and-down motion and not the variety of firmnesses. Is it worth it to purchase both to use together? It depends, but if you have these options available to you with your bed, I'd say yes. That way, you can get the full enjoyment and offerings from both bed and base. Aside from the elevated (pun intended) price tags involved with adjustable mattresses and bases, there are some other downsides you need to consider. In my experience, getting adjustable mattresses and bases set up is quite cumbersome, as they're heavy and will involve extra cords and bits required for the electronic portions. The upside, though? Many people who have an adjustable bed, base, or both consider them to be absolute game changers, for situations like reading in bed, watching TV with your feet kicked up, or dealing with medical concerns like acid reflux. That's another angle to consider (I am on a roll with these puns and I will not be stopped!).
