BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 6, 2024
BIC razors and 3M Scotch restickable mounting squares are among the common household products containing PFAS chemicals that are sold in Maine, according to an analysis of industry reports made public on Tuesday. Sixteen more manufacturers reported thousands of products to Maine officials since the beginning of this year. They add to the 41 companies made public in January that reported nearly 1,000 brand-name products sold with so-called “forever chemicals” in them. The products show a prevalence of the chemicals in common household cleaners, apparel and floor finishes. Notable among the new companies filing is 3M Co., which reported to the state that it sold more than 20,000 products with intentionally added PFAS in the United States in 2021 and 2022, said Mike Belliveau, president of the Portland-based nonprofit Defend Our Health, which obtained and analyzed the records. Those products also are sold in Maine.