Dr. Alistair Hayden of the Cornell Health Impacts Core recently spoke with lawmakers and the local news about PFAS contamination across New York State. Dr. Hayden spoke at a public hearing in Albany last month and was featured on WBNG local news to discuss what he and colleagues found when examining the presence of PFAS in soil samples from across the state.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are long-lasting chemicals that take a long time to break down. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in various manufacturing processes for consumer goods, such as clothing, carpeting, adhesives, food packaging, and more.

Hayden explained, “PFAS are a whole category of thousands of different types of chemicals, and they’re known as forever chemicals because they are really hard to break down. We use them in many different processes, a lot of plastics manufacturing.”

The research conducted by Hayden in partnership with the DEC found higher levels of PFAS in rural and suburban areas, which can significantly impact public health. This includes higher levels of cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, lower birth weight, and kidney and testicular cancer.

Local lawmakers are now taking action to propose legislation to track PFAS contamination through the PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act, proposed by Anna Kelles.