RALEIGH, N.C. - Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, recently joined fellow policymakers and national experts on so-called "forever chemicals" for a panel discussion hosted by the Council of State Governments. The organization invited Gramlich to speak at their annual conference to highlight her work in the Legislature to limit environmental and public health impacts of PFAS.
"Throughout my career as a social worker and in the Legislature, I have advocated for the health and well-being of Mainers, especially our kids," said Gramlich. "We know that toxic PFAS chemicals have serious, lasting health and environmental impacts. I am proud of the work we've done here in Maine to address this pressing issue, and I'm glad to share what we've learned and accomplished with policymakers from across the country."
PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down, persisting and accumulating in the environment over time. These chemicals can be found in food packaging, cookware, textiles and other products. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, from reproductive harm to developmental issues to immunological effects. They may also be linked to cancer and hormone disruption.
Gramlich has led Maine's nationally recognized efforts to protect the environment and public health from the effects of PFAS. She has sponsored successful measures to phase out the use of PFAS chemicals in consumer and industrial products, end the use of fire-suppressing foam containing PFAS and support soil and groundwater testing, among other measures.
Gramlich is a longtime social worker and public health advocate who is currently serving her third term in the Maine House. She is House chair of the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Gramlich], c. 305-965-2744
PHOTO:Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, recently joined fellow policymakers and national experts on so-called "forever chemicals" for a panel discussion hosted by the Council of State Governments. The organization invited Gramlich to speak at their annual conference to highlight her work in the Legislature to limit environmental and public health impacts of PFAS.