When Forever Chemicals Hit Home: How Senator Judy Seeberger Turned PFAS Contamination into Hope

When Minnesota State Senator Judy Seeberger learned her own home’s well water was contaminated with PFAS—“forever chemicals” linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and immune issues—she decided to act.

Now, Minnesota leads the nation with the most comprehensive ban on PFAS in consumer products, thanks in large part to her leadership and courage.

"PFAS started here so it's only right that we're the leaders in remediating the problem.”

—Senator Judy Seeberger

In this episode of the Practical Nontoxic Living™ Show, I talk with Senator Seeberger about how personal exposure inspired public change—and what every one of us can do to help protect our families and communities.

What Are PFAS—and Why Should You Care?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals used to make products water-, stain-, and grease-resistant. They’re in cookware, food packaging, dental floss, raincoats, and even menstrual products.

They’ve also been found in drinking water, food, and everywhere across the world. And they take many years (some take a century) to break down in the environment. In the human body, it takes many years to break down and eliminate as well. That’s why they’re called “forever chemicals.”

Minnesota’s Historic PFAS Ban

In 2023, Senator Seeberger helped pass Amara’s Law, named after Amara Strandy, a young woman who lived in an area contaminated by PFAS and used her final days to testify in support of the bill.

The law bans intentionally added PFAS in products like:

• Cookware and kitchen utensils

• Menstrual products

• Children’s items

• Ski wax

• Dental floss

By 2032, Minnesota will ban all intentionally added PFAS from consumer products. The legislation also shifts the burden of proof to manufacturers, requiring them to demonstrate that their products are PFAS-free.

How One Senator Turned Personal Pain into Public Policy

For Senator Seeberger, this wasn’t just policy—it was personal. Her own well water tested positive for PFAS.

“Where I live, we’ve been battling forever chemicals in our water for quite some time,” she shares. “So when I had the opportunity to do something meaningful for my family, my neighbors, and everyone in Minnesota, it was really gratifying.”

She also introduced a follow-up bill to tax companies that continue to manufacture or sell PFAS-containing products—ensuring cleanup costs don’t fall on residents.

How You Can Advocate for Change in Your State

Senator Seeberger encourages listeners everywhere to contact their state legislators and use Minnesota’s PFAS legislation as a model.

“Find supportive senators and representatives who have the courage to stand up to industry,” she says. “You can use our bill as a template.”

Even small actions matter—like switching to PFAS-free cookware, food containers, and water filters—because collective demand drives industry change.

Practical Tips to Reduce PFAS Exposure

Inspired by our conversation, here are some simple steps you can take today:

✅ Use activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters for drinking water.
✅ Avoid nonstick cookware made with PTFE or Teflon.
✅ Choose PFAS-free food packaging and avoid microwave popcorn bags.
✅ Look for PFAS-free personal care products—especially floss and cosmetics.
✅ Support legislation and companies creating safer alternatives.

A Model for Hope and Action

Minnesota’s leadership proves that change is possible. Senator Seeberger’s story is a reminder that awareness, collaboration, and courage can protect not only our health—but the planet’s future.

🎧 Listen now: When Forever Chemicals Hit Home: Senator Judy Seeberger’s Personal Fight for Clean Water

Resources Mentioned

• Clean Water Action
• Find Your State Senators
• Minnesota legislation as a template
• Ruan Living's 40-Day Home Detox
• More Practical Nontoxic Living episodes in season 2's Forever Chemicals Detox series

Season 2: Forever Chemicals Detox Series

This episode is part of our Season 2: Forever Chemicals Detox Series—a journey to understand how PFAS entered our lives, and how we can detox our homes, bodies, and future. Catch up on all episodes here →