WBAL Highlights the Health Risks of PFAS Pesticides in Maryland

At IPM in Health Care Facilities, we are dedicated to creating safer environments by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. This legislative session, we’re excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative to phase out PFAS-pesticides in Maryland. These pesticides, with toxic PFAS as the active ingredient, pose significant health risks because of their persistence in the body and the environment. yet there are safer, effective alternatives already available for use in the state.

Maryland Delegate Sheila Ruth and Senator Benjamin Brooks are championing this effort by introducing a bill that will phase out approximately 1,000 PFAS-based pesticides currently registered for use in Maryland. This legislation turns off the tap of PFAS "forever" pesticides protecting public health for all Maryland residents.

Check out WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore's first segment in a three-part series on our PFAS research. They are showing up at harmful levels in Marylanders' blood and are used in Maryland health care facilities. Read the full story and see part two in the series.

– Sean Lynch

IPM in Health Care Facilities Project Director

Expert Testimonials: Phasing out PFAS in Pesticides

Dr. Ana María Rule, PhD, Johns Hopkins

"I am the principal investigator at JHSPH on the recent pilot study, and PFAS were found in every one of the Maryland residents that we tested. In some cases...the concentration of PFAS was higher than the maximum recommended level by the NASEM. At these levels, there is sufficient evidence of several concerning health effects, including increased risk of kidney cancer, increased risk of high cholesterol, dyslipidemia (significant risk for cardiovascular disease), decreased infant and fetal growth, decreased antibody response in both adults and children (this means they are more susceptible to infections and reduced response to vaccines). Of our 41 participants, 35 (85%) have PFAS levels in their blood between 2 and 20 ng/mL, which trigger special screening by clinicians, including for breast, liver, and testicular cancer."

Dr. Michael Ichniowski, MD, American Academy of Pediatrics

“The potential for lifetime exposure and accumulation of PFAS is substantial, especially in children, who would have higher levels of exposure relative to their weight over a longer span of years…Once present, they are poorly excreted and persist in the human body, with half-lives often measured in years to decades. Ongoing use of PFAS-based pesticides increases children’s exposure to these toxins, leading to substantial lifetime burden and increased risk of adverse effects."

A Success Story:

Maryland State House Grounds

We were proud to honor Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller with the Organic Land Care Award for their commitment to sustaining organic land care practices on the Maryland State House Grounds.

For over a decade, the Maryland State House has been a shining example of pesticide-free lawn care management, demonstrating the viability and success of organic strategies that can be applied on health care facility grounds.

This success story is a testament to what can be achieved when prioritizing health and sustainability. It’s proof that change is possible.

Take Action

Contact Your Legislators

Show your support for HB386 & SB345 by urging your legislators to phase out PFAS pesticides in Maryland.

Healthcare facilities are meant to promote healing, yet they often unknowingly expose patients, especially vulnerable populations to unnecessary pesticide risks. The time to act is now! By supporting the phase-out of PFAS pesticides, you can help protect healthcare facilities' patients, staff, and visitors.

Implementing a prioritized Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program in your facility is easier with the right tools. Here are some key resources to help you get started:

IPM in Health Care Facilities Brochure: A concise guide on the benefits and implementation of IPM in healthcare settings.
Pesticide-Free Land Care Guide: Step-by-step instructions for transitioning to sustainable, pesticide-free land care practices.
Non-Toxic Roach Control: Practical strategies for addressing roach infestations without harmful chemicals.
Sample IPM Policy: A customizable template to help you establish an effective IPM policy for your facility.

Use these resources to make informed decisions and take actionable steps toward creating healthier, pesticide-free healthcare environments.

The IPM in Health Care Facilities Project promotes safer pest and weed management best practices that are effective and protect the public and environment. Exposure to harmful pesticides can cause or exacerbate the very issues for which patients/residents are being treated. We are dedicated to keeping you updated on important news and research. We support your efforts to ensure a protected and toxic-free environment for your facility and those you serve —

and ALL our IPM in Health Care Facilities Project services are FREE.

For information and help,

Sean@mdpestnet.org or

call 301-664-4374

Our services are always free.

Visit our website for resources