Connecticut

States Leading The Way

Connecticut Clean Water Action has led the efforts to restrict toxic chemicals including bisphenols, lead, and PFAS in key product sections. Like other states, Connecticut has concerns about toxic chemicals such as lead and PFAS. For instance, Connecticut has a significant number of older homes and buildings, which increases the risk of lead-based paint hazards. Additionally, firefighting foam containing PFAS was used for many years at the Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. A 2019 leak of firefighting foam from a hangar at the airport resulted in 40,000 gallons of foam entering the Farmington River.

Connecticut Highlights

2021 – Restricted the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, established a take-back program for PFAS-containing firefighting foam, and banned PFAS-containing food packaging.
2020 – Restricted the state purchasing of food packaging that contains PFAS chemicals and certain plastics.
2011 – Adopted the first state ban on BPA in thermal receipt paper.

Governor Lamont Signs Policy Restricting the Use of PFAS

Connecticut director Anne Hulick joined Governor Lamont, leaders from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Department of Public Health, Department of Emergency Services, allies, the Mayor of Windsor, and many residents in a momentous bill-signing ceremony along the Farmington River in Windsor, CT—the site of the tragic spill of firefighting foam in 2019.

Polluted Polly Visits Hartford, CT

In 2022, Polluted Polly visited our allies living in frontline communities like Hartford, Connecticut, which hosts an infamous trash incinerator. Polluted Polly and advocates in Connecticut urged retailers like Burger King and policymakers to ban PFAS in food packaging.