A cookware safety advocacy group has filed a lawsuit against the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency over its Minnesota PFAS ban on nonstick cookware.
On January 1, Minnesota became the first state in the U.S. to enact a comprehensive ban on products containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals.” The ban aims to limit public exposure to these toxic substances commonly found in nonstick cookware, textiles, cosmetics, and other consumer goods.
The Cookware Sustainability Alliance, an industry group, filed a lawsuit challenging the ban. It argues that nonstick cookware with PFAS has "been repeatedly validated as safe for food contact by the FDA and other regulatory bodies."
The lawsuit contends that the new law imposes undue burdens on manufacturers, potentially violating the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, NBC11 reported.
The decision to ban PFAS in Minnesota comes amid growing evidence of their health risks. A 2022 study by Newcastle University and Flinders University revealed that damaged Teflon-coated pans could release over 9,000 plastic particles into food with a single crack. A broken coating could release up to 2.3 million microplastics and nanoplastics.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are linked to serious health risks, including cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in children, data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency shows. These chemicals are also associated with hormonal disruptions and immune system effects. Their persistence in the environment and human bodies has made them a significant public health concern.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute medical professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Visit the disclaimer link for more details: www.biohackyourself.com/termsanddisclaimers
Comments