Yang Rohr Helps Pass Measure to Combat Spread of Carcinogens, Make Community Safer

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, helped pass major legislation to end the incineration of perfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemical compounds which have been shown to be carcinogens.

“The health and wellbeing of our community is always top of mind for me, and ending the dangerous incineration of PFAS, a practice that has the potential to be a major health hazard, is a critical step,” Yang Rohr said. “Being proactive on this will save lives and prevent the potential spread of cancer-causing chemicals. I will not stand by while these dangers continue to lurk near our communities.”

Yang Rohr passed House Bill 4818, which prohibits the incineration of perfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Illinois, and allows the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to adopt rules necessary to carry out the ban. Sites near where PFAS have been incinerated have shown significant contamination from PFAS, which have recently been classified as carcinogens by the National Cancer Institute. This bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support and is now in the Senate for consideration.

“Science has given unambiguous warnings about this, now it’s up to us to take decisive action to prevent further damage,” Yang Rohr said. “As a representative of my community, I would be neglecting my responsibility not to act. I am glad to see my colleagues feel the same.”