Health researcher says EPA must do better against PFAS as flame retardant chemicals used on flooring exposes infants and toddlers

Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight Ranking Member Jeff Merkley of Oregon and University of California San Francisco Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment Director Tracey Woodruff discuss whether new stain-resistant carpeting was treated with PFAS and whether crawling infants with noses near carpet consume PFAS from the start of life, with Woodruff confirming this unfortunately occurs, explaining EPA needs to better account for toddlers crawling around collecting toxic chemicals from carpets and dust then putting hands in their mouths, resulting in higher exposures to chemicals like PFAS and flame retardants, noting California studies found toddlers had flame retardant levels equal to occupational workers, though EPA doesn't always account for this in risk evaluations at a hearing on regulating beneficial use chemicals.