Massachusetts
Massachusetts to Phase out Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Firefighting Gear – EcoWatch
![Massachusetts to Phase out Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Firefighting Gear – EcoWatch Massachusetts to Phase out Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Firefighting Gear – EcoWatch](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/firefighters-ma.jpg)
Firefighters put out a fire in a burning car in Newton, Massachusetts on Aug. 14, 2020. Suzanne Kreiter / The Boston Globe via Getty Images
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Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.
Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey has signed a new law to phase out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the protective gear firefighters wear.
PFAS “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment and have been associated with serious health problems, including liver and thyroid issues, immune system disruption, cancer and reproductive harm. They are used in nonstick cookware, rain gear and firefighting foam, among other applications.
“It’s one thing to run into a fire, you can see the blaze and feel the heat,” said Healey just before signing the bill, as The Associated Press reported. “These [are] dangerous, dangerous chemicals. They’re in too much of our stuff, but certainly we know they’ve been in protective gear. The devastating impacts are so clear. Today Massachusetts is putting the health and safety of our firefighters first.”
Beginning in January of 2025, sellers and manufacturers of personal protective equipment that contain PFAS will have to give the purchaser written notice that it contains the chemicals, along with a reason why they are being used in the product.
In 2027, sellers and manufacturers of firefighters’ personal protective equipment will no longer be allowed to knowingly sell gear that contains “intentionally-added PFAS.”
For years, PFAS have been used in firefighting equipment because of their ability to repel water and oil and withstand high temperatures, a press release from the Massachusetts governor and lieutenant governor said.
“Firefighters in Massachusetts put their lives on the line every day on behalf of our communities, and yet it is the exposure to the forever chemicals known as PFAS in their turnout gear that pose one of the greatest risks to their health,” said Senator Julian Cyr, Joint Committee on Public Health co-chair, in the press release.
PFAS are highly toxic, even at low levels, before they are even exposed to fire. Firefighters and former firefighters have experienced high rates of cancers associated with PFAS, including kidney, breast and testicular cancer.
“Cancer is the leading cause of death in the fire service,” said Terrence Reidy, secretary of public safety and security, in the press release. “This legislation marks a vital first step in phasing out harmful PFAS chemicals in firefighter gear that can contribute to that risk.”
While attorney general, Healey sued PFAS manufacturers for ignoring the risks to the environment, drinking water and public health posed by the toxic chemicals.
“For too long, Massachusetts firefighters have been unnecessarily exposed to high levels of PFAS in their personal protective equipment and they have paid the price, with high levels of occupational cancer, reproductive problems and other illnesses. With this new law, Massachusetts leaders are joining our neighbors in Connecticut as the first two states to restrict toxic PFAS in firefighter personal protective equipment. This is legislation which will save firefighter lives and encourage other states to take similar action,” said Laura Spark, Clean Water Action’s environmental health program director, in the press release.
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Massachusetts
Sudbury Voters: Who's On Your Ballot?
![Sudbury Voters: Who's On Your Ballot? Sudbury Voters: Who's On Your Ballot?](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/26728787/20240820/080217/styles/patch_image/public/202108-ped-dearborn-detroit-primary-mi-will-01___20080129056.jpg)
The following was submitted by the League of Women Voters of Sudbury
SUDBURY, MA — The Sept. 3 election is a state primary election in which political parties select their candidates for the Nov. 5 general election. For that reason, voters vote using a specific party’s ballot in that election. Voters who are enrolled in a party must take that party’s ballot. Unenrolled voters can choose which ballot they want; selecting a ballot does not change a voter’s unenrolled status.
In Sudbury, there is one contested race on the Democratic party ballot. For the third district Governor’s Council seat, the candidates are Marilyn M. Petitto Devaney, the incumbent, and Mara Dolan.
On the Republican ballot in Sudbury, there is also one contested race. Robert J. Antonellis, Ian Cain and John Deaton are running to be the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in November, to oppose Elizabeth Warren.
There are no candidates on the Libertarian ballot in Sudbury.
The last day to register to vote in the Sept. 3 election is Saturday, Aug. 24. Check your voter registration status or register online at www.VoteInMA.com.
Request a mail ballot now to receive it in time to vote by mail. Check here for information on voting by mail.
In-person early voting will be Aug. 24-30 at Town Hall for all precincts; check hours here. Voting on Election Day, Tuesday, Sept. 3, will be at the Fairbank Community Center for all precincts; polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions about voting here.
Massachusetts
Anheuser-Busch layoffs in Massachusetts affecting nearly 200 jobs
![Anheuser-Busch layoffs in Massachusetts affecting nearly 200 jobs Anheuser-Busch layoffs in Massachusetts affecting nearly 200 jobs](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/08/19/e9fe3bd3-9392-4537-afa5-fdd5d28b56d8/thumbnail/1200x630/ab6c18e1ca9a9f1f279da3634f4e524a/bud-light-beers.jpg?v=fd6e213336f58b575c9e836e95546d26)
MEDFORD – Anheuser-Busch has notified the state that it plans to lay off nearly 200 workers at a Medford facility in the coming months, but some of those employees could find jobs under new ownership.
The Budweiser brewer said last week it would transfer its wholesaler at 440 Riverside Ave. to Quality Beverage.
“We continuously assess our operational footprint to ensure our entire system is set up for long term success, and the transition of these operations will ensure that Anheuser-Busch and our network of independent distributors will continue to drive the growth of our iconic portfolio of brands while providing world-class service to our retail customers across Massachusetts,” Anheuser-Busch chief sales officer Simon Wuestenberg said in a statement.
Anheuser-Busch WARN notice in Massachusetts
Anheuser-Busch filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN notice, with Massachusetts that said 193 employees would be affected by job cuts. The layoffs would take effect in November.
“We are working with Quality Beverage to ensure a smooth transition for our operations, including fully supporting our local teams, and as part of this ongoing transition, we expect that some opportunities will be made available for Boston employees with the Quality Beverage team,” an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson told WBZ-TV.
Quality Beverage, which is owned by Martignetti Companies, has distribution facilities in Taunton, Auburn and Chicopee and bills itself as “a leading distributor of beer and alternative beverages in Massachusetts.”
Last year, Anheuser-Busch laid off hundreds of workers amid slumping Bud Light sales.
Massachusetts
Mass. State Lottery winner: $1 million prize won by mom buying Doritos
![Mass. State Lottery winner: million prize won by mom buying Doritos Mass. State Lottery winner: million prize won by mom buying Doritos](https://www.masslive.com/resizer/v2/VRT3SE4MHJFRFI2GJYHIENT7OI.jpg?auth=5dbd0b969c6c876bb56338ae5089b5d51e56738827d37b53b6a34d5e34f79b45&width=1280&quality=90)
A Massachusetts mother picked up a $10 lottery ticket while buying Doritos and ended up winning a $1 million prize.
Amy Kowal, of Chicopee, had went to the Pride Market on 167 Chicopee St. in her hometown for a bag of the chips for her daughter, she told the lottery.
Kowal also decided to buy a “$4,000,000 Lion’s Share” scratch ticket. The game was released on April 16 and as of Aug. 19, there are still two $4 million grand prizes and three $1 million prizes remaining to be claimed.
After scratching the ticket to reveal a $1 million prize, the Chicopee mother claimed her winning ticket on Aug. 15. She opted to receive her prize in the form of a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes.
The Pride Market where Kowal bought her winning ticket will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
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