Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Aimed At Curbing Pollution And Reducing Harmful Emissions
CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker today signed HB 4818, an amendment to the Environmental Protection Act prohibiting the disposal by incineration of any perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). PFAS are a group of approximately 5,000 human-made chemicals that are manufactured for their oil and water-resistant properties. Since the 1940’s, PFAS have been used in a wide range of consumer products, industrial processes, and in AFFF. This has resulted in PFAS being released into the air, water, and soil. While research on the effects of PFAS exposure to human health is ongoing, current scientific studies have identified possible adverse health effects including low infant birth weights, harmful effects on the immune system, cancer, thyroid hormone disruption, liver and kidney toxicity, decreased immune function, developmental disorders, and reproductive harm. “The health and safety of Illinoisans have always been my