Rep. Khan, colleagues move to ban PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Pennsylvania pesticides
Rep. Tarik Khan January 14, 2026 | 9:55 AM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 — State Rep. Tarik Khan and a coalition of Pennsylvania lawmakers today introduced legislation to ban the sale and use of pesticides containing PFAS -- often referred to as “forever chemicals” -- to protect public health, food safety, and drinking water across the Commonwealth.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment. When used in pesticides, they can contaminate soil, water, and food, and accumulate in the human body over time. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health risks, including elevated cholesterol, pregnancy complications, congenital disorders, and certain cancers.
The legislation would prohibit the sale and use of pesticides containing PFAS in Pennsylvania when safer alternatives are available.
“Families should not have to worry that the food we put on the table contains chemicals that stay in our bodies forever,” said Khan. “As a nurse, I know that exposure to harmful chemicals can put pregnant women and babies at risk. This bill is about common sense and protecting families before harm is done.”
Khan is joined in introducing the legislation by state Reps. Pat Harkins, D-Erie; Mary Isaacson, D-Phila.; Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; Brian Monroe, D-Bucks; Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny; Bob Merski, D-Erie; Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny; and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila.
“Forever chemicals have no place in our food system,” said Hohenstein. “When a pesticide contains chemicals that do not break down, harm public health, and have safer alternatives, Pennsylvania should not allow their use.”
The sponsors emphasized that the legislation focuses on prevention, transparency, and fairness -- ensuring that no community is unknowingly exposed to toxic substances and that public health is prioritized over powerful corporate interests.
“Pennsylvanians deserve clean food, clean water, and a government that answers to families, not powerful corporate interests,” added Kinkead.
The lawmakers are urging their colleagues in the House to support the bill and take action to protect the health of communities across Pennsylvania.