Rick Karlin is reporting for the Times Union the state Department of Environmental Conservation is blocking the use of a popular pesticide for mosquito control upstate and in New York City after it was learned the chemicals' containers were made with PFAS compounds. “DEC is moving swiftly to quarantine Anvil 10+10 products statewide. In addition, we are launching a comprehensive investigation into the universe and use of products stored in these containers and will take all actions necessary to protect public health and the environment,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a prepared statement. Quarantine means the product and the containers cannot be used, removed, sold or disposed of until DEC gives permission. Clarke Mosquito Control makes Anvil 10+10. The company reiterated it is the containers, not the pesticide that include PFAS. Clarke is also urging people who have the pesticide in plastic containers not to use it. "Clarke has voluntarily ceased all sales and shipments to customers of Anvil 10+10 packaged in plastic containers and is directing its customers to not use Anvil 10+10 packaged in plastic containers. Anvil 10+10 packaged in steel totes or lined steel drums may continue to be used as an important tool for public health mosquito control," company spokeswoman Laura McGowan said in an email. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, are known as forever chemicals due to their strong molecular bonds. They are associated with illnesses such as thyroid disorders, cancers and other ailments. They are persistent in the environment including water sources, and it raises questions about the safety of widely used fluorinated plastic containers. The use of PFAS in non-stick chemicals and firefighting foam is being phased out and the state recently banned its use in food containers. The substance is turning out to be present everywhere in the environment. Read the full story in the Times Union.