Rick Karlin is reporting for the Times Union the state Legislature has approved a bill that would ban using toxic PFAS chemicals in food packaging. PFAS, or poly and perfluorooctanoic acids, have been linked to thyroid disorders and cancers. Discovery of the chemicals in the village of Hoosick Falls’ water supply several years ago prompted emergency measures followed by a planned rebuilding of the municipal system. There also has been a move to ban the incineration of PFAS based on concerns about emissions such as those coming from the Norlite aggregate plant in Cohoes, which had been burning firefighting foam made with the substance. The PFAS substances are known for their resiliency and have long been used in food packaging such as bags for pastries and popcorn as well as pizza boxes. PFAS is used in food containers because of its ability to resist grease, which might otherwise saturate a bag or box. Bills to ban the use of PFAS in food containers were sponsored by Manhattan state Senator Brad Hoylman and Albany Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, both Democrats, and were approved by lawmakers last week. It is not yet clear if Gov. Andrew Cuomo will sign the bill into law. “New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry about being exposed to harmful chemicals from handling everyday items like pizza boxes or milk cartons. Getting PFAS out of our food supply is a no-brainer,” said Rich Schrader, New York Policy Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Read the full story in the Times Union.