Environmental Advocate Raises Concerns Over PFAS Chemicals

Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment discusses the widespread impact of these toxic synthetic compounds.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:30pm

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Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito spoke about the growing concerns over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic chemicals found in many consumer products that have been detected in drinking water and food at concerning levels. Esposito highlighted how PFAS are persistent in the environment, bioaccumulate in organisms, and can have serious health impacts like cancer and reproductive damage.

Why it matters

PFAS chemicals have become a major environmental and public health issue as they are found ubiquitously in the environment and human bodies, with potential links to various health problems. Addressing PFAS contamination has become a priority for many states, including New York, where legislation has been proposed to ban these chemicals from everyday products.

The details

Esposito explained that PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foams. These chemicals are highly persistent, meaning they do not break down easily in the environment, and can bioaccumulate in the bodies of humans and animals. She noted that PFAS have been detected in drinking water at parts per trillion and in food, including vegetables. Esposito detailed the potential health impacts of PFAS exposure, which include cancers and reproductive damage.

  • The New York State Senate has already passed a bill to ban PFAS from everyday products.
  • The New York State Assembly is now being urged to prioritize public health over industry interests and pass the PFAS ban legislation.

The players

Adrienne Esposito

The Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a non-profit environmental advocacy organization.

New York State Senate

The upper chamber of the New York State Legislature, which has passed a bill to ban PFAS from everyday products.

New York State Assembly

The lower chamber of the New York State Legislature, which is being urged to prioritize public health and pass the PFAS ban legislation.

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What they’re saying

“PFAS are a class of toxic synthetic chemicals used in various products that impact the environmental and health.”

— Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment

“PFAS are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in organisms, including humans.”

— Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment

“PFAS have been detected in drinking water at parts per trillion and have been found in food, including vegetables.”

— Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment

What’s next

The New York State Assembly is now being urged to prioritize public health over industry interests and pass the PFAS ban legislation that has already been approved by the State Senate.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the growing concerns over the widespread presence of PFAS chemicals in the environment and their potential health impacts. As states like New York work to address PFAS contamination, it underscores the need for stronger regulations and public awareness around these persistent and bioaccumulative synthetic compounds.