URGENT UPDATE: A Maine-based watchdog group has confirmed that major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Wayfair, are violating the state’s strict ban on products containing toxic “forever chemicals.” This alarming revelation comes just as the ban, which targets per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), was expanded on January 1, 2023, to encompass a broader range of consumer goods such as cookware, cosmetics, and upholstered furniture.
Emily Carey Perez de Alejo, the executive director of Defend Our Health, stated that the organization discovered banned nonstick pans available for purchase online by Mainers. “We have seen, unfortunately, some online retailers who have not yet complied with Maine’s law,” Carey Perez de Alejo revealed. She emphasized that retailers may either be unaware of the law or mistakenly believe that the state’s regulations can be overlooked due to its size.
The initial findings from Defend Our Health are part of an ongoing effort to monitor compliance with the new regulations. Carey Perez de Alejo noted, “This is not a comprehensive search, but we plan to expand our surveillance of goods to ensure compliance.” She highlighted that many goods containing intentionally added PFAS have already been removed from store shelves across Maine.
The implications of these violations are significant. PFAS are notorious for their persistence in the environment and human body, earning them the label “forever chemicals.” Exposure to PFAS has been linked to severe health issues, including immune system disorders, liver disease, and various cancers. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the potential risks to consumers continuing to purchase these products unknowingly.
Defend Our Health has reported these violations to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Kerri Farris, the program manager for safer chemicals, confirmed that the department will contact the implicated companies to enforce compliance with the law.
As of now, Walmart, Target, and Wayfair have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the potential violations. The public’s health is at stake, and many shoppers are left feeling anxious about the safety of the products they are purchasing.
“We just want to give everybody a chance to come into full compliance so that we don’t, as shoppers, have to be thinking about this,” Carey Perez de Alejo stated. She expressed a desire for consumers to shop without concern over whether their cookware contains harmful chemicals.
With the watchdog group expanding its efforts to identify and address these violations, the situation remains fluid. Consumers in Maine should remain vigilant and informed as more developments unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates as Defend Our Health continues to monitor compliance and as the Maine Department of Environmental Protection takes action against noncompliant retailers.
