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SB 345

Pesticides - PFAS Chemicals - Prohibitions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Brooks

Maryland bill prohibits pesticides containing PFAS chemicals to reduce environmental and health risks from these persistent toxic substances.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 345

Legislative bill overview

SB 345 proposes to prohibit the use of pesticides containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," in Maryland. The bill restricts both the sale and application of these pesticide products within the state, with enforcement mechanisms to be determined during the legislative process.

Why is this important

PFAS chemicals persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in human tissue, raising significant public health concerns including links to liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system suppression. Maryland's action would make it one of the few states to specifically target PFAS in pesticides, potentially influencing national agricultural chemical standards and protecting groundwater and drinking water supplies from contamination.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural industry impact: Farmers and pesticide manufacturers may argue that banning PFAS-containing products eliminates effective pest control options without approved alternatives readily available, potentially increasing crop losses or requiring costly substitutes
  • Implementation and enforcement challenges: The bill's effectiveness depends on clear definitions of which products qualify, interstate commerce complications (farmers importing from bordering states), and adequate regulatory resources for compliance monitoring
  • Economic costs vs. health benefits: Debate over whether the documented health risks from PFAS pesticide residues justify the economic burden on agricultural producers and whether less restrictive alternatives (like usage limits or application restrictions) could achieve similar public health goals

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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