Rounds, Shaheen Introduce New Legislation to Invest in PFAS Health Impact and Best Practices Education for Physicians

PIERRE – U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced bipartisan legislation this week that would promote the creation of educational courses for physicians regarding the health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. Their legislation, the Physician Education for PFAS Health Impacts Act, would establish a grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fund the creation of training and education courses and materials for physicians on the health effects of PFAS and best practices for caring for patients who have been exposed to PFAS.

“We are still learning about the full range of the effects of PFAS chemicals on the human body,” said Rounds. “As we learn more, we will be better able to diagnose PFAS-related illnesses and treat symptoms. The grant program created in our legislation will provide resources so physicians can better understand PFAS chemicals.”

PFAS chemicals have been found in private drinking water wells and military bases across the country. PFAS is also found in soil, food sources, packaging and other sources. It has been reported that more than 600 communities in at least 43 states are dealing with PFAS exposure. PFAS materials have been associated with a variety of adverse human health effects, including birth defects, various forms of cancer and immune system dysfunction.

Rounds and Shaheen previously introduced legislation to assist veterans and service members exposed to PFAS contaminants.

Bill text of the legislation is available here.

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