More study of 3M chemicals approved |
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Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:59
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ST. PAUL (AP) - Deeper study of industrial chemicals once used by 3M Co. won overwhelming backing in the Minnesota House on Monday.The representatives voted 121-12 for a bill that would require state health officials to set health risk limits for the chemicals by August, and submit a more detailed report to lawmakers by January.Similar legislation passed the Senate earlier this month, as worries over water supplies and fish have grown. The perfluorochemicals -- once used in 3M's suburban Cottage Grove plant to make stain repellants, nonstick cookware and other products -- have been found in water supplies in eastern St. Paul suburbs and recently turned up in fish in Minneapolis.'People want answers soon,' said Rep. Karla Bigham, D-Cottage Grove.But one critic -- GOP Rep. Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan, said the legislation was 'clutter' and 'a waste of time' because the state Health Department is already looking into the issue.3M has said its own tests on animals show the chemicals don't pose a risk to people. The company has also said it supports the concept of setting health risk limits for the chemicals.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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