플로리다 주의회(The Florida Sneate)는 린다 스튜어트(Linda Stewart) 올랜도 상원의원과 레이첼 플라콘(Rachel Plakon) 세미놀 하원의원이 식수 내 1,4-디옥산(1,4-dioxane) 수치를 제한하는 법안을 발의했다고 밝혔다.  

제안된 법안은 식수 내 존재하는 유해 화학 물질로부터 플로리다 주민들의 건강을 보호하기 위해 식수 내 1,4-디옥산의 최대 허용량을 설정한다. 

스튜어트 상원의원은 “미국 저널 『올랜도 센티넬(Orlando Sentinel)』이에서 연재되는 ‘독성 비밀(Toxic Secret)’ 시리즈는 수원 내의 1,4-디옥산 오염 수치가 얼마나 심각한지를 깨닫게 해줬다“라며 “우리의 의무는 지역사회의 건강과 안녕을 보호하기 위해 신속하게 대응하는 것”이라고 설명했다. 그는 “새로운 법안은 식수에 허용되는 최대 1,4-디옥산 수치에 대한 명확한 기준을 설정해 시민들이 가정으로 공급되는 물을 신뢰하고 마실 수 있도록 돕는다”라고 덧붙였다.

현재 화학물질의 모니터링은 이뤄지고 있지만 최대 허용량에 대한 확립된 기준이 없다. 이번 법안 발의는 플로리다 내의 화학 물질을 처리하기 위한 초당적 노력을 보여준다. 

[원문보기]

SENATOR STEWART AND REPRESENTATIVE PLAKON FILE LEGISLATION TO INCREASE DRINKING WATER SAFETY

Orlando, FL - In a move towards safeguarding public health, Senator Linda Stewart (D – Orlando) and Representative Rachel Plakon (R- Seminole) have filed legislation aimed at controlling the levels of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water. The initiative comes in response to the eye-opening revelations brought to light by the Orlando Sentinel's investigative series: "Toxic Secret", which sheds light on the pervasive issue of water contamination in the state.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a maximum allowable amount of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water, in an effort to address the urgent need for action to protect Florida's residents from potential health risks associated with the presence of this harmful chemical in their drinking water.

“The 'Toxic Secret' series by the Orlando Sentinel has brought to our attention the alarming extent of 1,4-dioxane contamination in our water sources. It is our duty to respond swiftly and decisively to protect the health and well-being of our communities. This legislation sets a clear standard for the maximum allowable amount of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water, ensuring that our citizens can trust the safety of the water that flows into their homes,” said Stewart.

The proposed legislation represents a bipartisan effort to address the chemical that is currently monitored, but lacks an established maximum allowable amount in Florida. The bill also sets requirements in place for the amount of time water suppliers have to comply with the new standard and requirements to report 1,4-dioxane levels to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Representative Plakon, who directly represents the area where this chemical was originally discovered, also shared her thoughts on the bill:

"Clean and safe drinking water is a basic human need. We have a responsibility to our constituents to take meaningful action to protect their health, and ensure that our vital water resource is free from harmful levels of 1,4-dioxane,” said Plakon.

[출처 = The Florida Sneate(https://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressReleases/Show/4502) / 2024년 1월 8일]

[번역 = 박원희 기자]