# Plain Language Summary: PFAS Testing Act of 2021

This bill requires the federal government to order comprehensive testing of a group of chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These are man-made chemicals found in many everyday products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. PFAS chemicals don't break down easily in the environment or in our bodies, and they've been detected in drinking water supplies across the country and in the blood of most Americans. The bill essentially says that within 60 days of becoming law, the Environmental Protection Agency must require companies that make or use these chemicals to conduct thorough safety testing to understand what health and environmental risks they pose.

The bill also requires companies that manufacture or process PFAS chemicals to hand over all existing information they have about these substances to the EPA within 60 days. This includes any reports of health problems or environmental damage people have reported, as well as any safety studies the companies have already conducted. Within four months, the EPA must make these safety studies available to the public so that scientists, doctors, and concerned citizens can review what's known about PFAS risks. This transparency requirement is important because it means companies can't keep safety information hidden.

The practical effect is that this bill creates a systematic way to gather and share information about PFAS chemicals. Right now, there's no comprehensive federal requirement forcing companies to test these chemicals or share what they know about them. By requiring standardized testing and public disclosure, the bill gives regulators and the public a clearer picture of whether PFAS chemicals are safe. This information could eventually lead to restrictions on how these chemicals are used, warnings on products, or cleanup requirements for contaminated water supplies—but the bill itself focuses on gathering the data first.

PFAS Testing Act of 2021

Maloney, Sean Patrick

PFAS Testing Act of 2021 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to order comprehensive toxicity testing on all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. An order from the EPA for comprehensive toxicity testing for PFAS shall require the development of information by any person who manufactures, processes, or intends to manufacture or process PFAS. The bill also provides guidelines for the development of these orders, including the methodologies and protocols to be used. Additionally, the bill specifies when a PFAS may be exempt from testing or information submission. Each person who manufactures or processes PFAS must submit to the EPA (1) all records of significant adverse reactions to health or the environment alleged to have been caused by PFAS, and (2) all health and safety studies related to PFAS of which the person is aware. The EPA must make all such health and safety studies available to the public within four months of the enactment of this bill.