SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published an overview of a proposal by the US Congress to ban the procurement of products containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

Introduced in July 2023, the proposed act – S.2283 ‘PFAS-Free Procurement Act of 2023’ – would prohibit executive agencies from entering into new procurement contracts for selected products if they contain either substance.

Products within the scope of the proposal:
- Non-stick cookware and cooking utensils
- Furniture, carpets and rugs treated with stain-resistant coatings

The act also directs executive agency heads to prioritize the procurement of products that do not contain any per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at all.

The proposed effective date for the act is October 1, 2025.

SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US Congress Proposes Procurement Ban for Products Containing PFAS SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA.
Tel: + 1 312 414 9394

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Wilmington, DE – A unique medication-free pathway out of depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD has been developed for patients of Brandywine Valley TMS in Wilmington, Delaware.

Brandywine Valley TMS utilizes cutting-edge technology for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. This local TMS clinic provides Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy for depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD for patients who are seeking treatment options other than medication and psychotherapy. 

"Our goal is to improve our patients’ mental healthby providing this novel and medication-free treatment called TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.This is a different approach for patients with conditions such as depression that, for whatever reason, have not done well on medications or simply prefer not to take medications. " said clinic founder, Dr Jack Castro, a Clinical TMS Society member who is also certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

TMS therapy, which is FDA-approved and covered by most insurances, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions linked to depression. This non-invasive treatment has shown promising results in relieving depression symptoms for individuals resistant to traditional therapies. The magnetic pulses modulate neural activity, normalizing mood-regulating circuits, and promote sustained improvements in overall mental well-being.

Dr Castro said: "TMS is a simple outpatient therapy in which most patients experience positive changes after just a few sessions. Sessions are relaxing as they are performed withthe patient sitting in a reclining chair listening to music or watching TV, while a magnetic coil stimulates the patient’s brain cortex and its neurons."

His approach has been highly effective for numerous patients, including that of James, a 36-year-old patient, who presented with ADHD, inattentive type, and cyclothymia, a milder form of bipolar disorder. His treatment history included a moderately complex medication regimen. Despite this, his mood oscillated between relative normalcy and severe dysfunction.

In 2023, after acquiring a MagVenture TMS system, Dr Castro suggested TMS therapy treatment after establishing a strong patient-physician relationship with James. Remarkably, after just 13 sessions, James reported a significant lift in his mood, and to further optimize his treatment, the TMS parameters were adjusted, increasing the pulse count and adapting the intensity accordingly to enhance his low mood.

By his 36th session, James had substantially improved his patient health assessment or PHQ-9. He continues bi-weekly TMS sessions and maintains his initial medication regimen, finding a new lease on life under the clinic's care.

"His journey, marked by trust and perseverance, is a testament to the potential of TMS in managing severe depression as well as other milder forms depression," said Dr Castro. "This highlights the transformative impact of TMS, especially in cases where traditional medication approaches face limitations. James's story is a powerful TMS therapy review or testimonial, showcasing real patient results."

To schedule an appointment at Brandywine Valley TMS, call (302) 635-1710 or discover more at https://www.brandywinevalleytms.com.

Hoboken, NJ – Party-goers this New Year are being offered a free ticket to ride and prevent disaster befalling them - thanks to the generosity of two personal injury lawyers.

Hoboken-based  Jared Glugeth and David Pierguidi are usually in court battling for the rights and compensation of injured clients. But the attorneys are bringing their Sober Ride Campaign to the streets of the New York Metro area this New Year’s Eve.

The attorneys of Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., said: “In an effort to reduce the risk of drinking and driving, we are proud to present free holiday cab and ride-share rides. 

We care about residents in the New York metro area and want to give back by offering free cab, Uber, or Lyft rides. We want them to make the right choice, the responsible choice and get home safely during the New Year celebration.”

The program is simple: anyone who has been drinking, take an Uber, Lyft, or cab and the attorneys will reimburse them. 

Rides must be in the New York metro area, in either New Jersey or New York City, and must be taken between 5pm on Sunday, December 31, 2023 and 10am on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. 

Participation in this promotion is limited to the first 60 submissions. Participants must be of legal drinking age (21 and over) to qualify. Claims are valid for one, one-way ride to a safe destination and limited to one reimbursement per household. 

It is for a maximum value of $30 anywhere in the New York metro area. The maximum value includes a tip of up to 10%. Anything above a 10% tip on the base fare will not be reimbursed.

Reimbursements will be paid within ten business days, and applicants must submit a copy of their receipt and photo ID and mailed to:

Attention: The Sober Rides Campaign

Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. 

5 River St Suite 303,

Hoboken, NJ 07030

The law firm will review the submissions on a first come, first serve basis, and the first 60 people will receive reimbursements. Checks will be mailed to the address on the photo ID.

Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., is a widely respected firm highly skilled in several legal areas, including personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, labor and construction accidents, and medical malpractice.

To speak with a personal injury lawyer about accident-related cases, visit https://www.njnylawyers.com/.

Washington, UT - December 30th, 2023 - Iron Mountain Plumbing, as a locally owned and operated plumbing contractor, the team is proud to serve the community for immediate and dependable plumbing services in Southwest Utah. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Iron Mountain Plumbing offers a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. They are here to service their loyal customers by providing plumbing and water treatment needs in St. George, Cedar City, and surrounding areas.

Iron Mountain Plumbing provides homeowners and businesses top-notch plumbing and water treatment solutions. Whether a client needs a simple repair, pipe replacement, water heater installation, or drain cleaning, their experienced technicians can handle any plumbing issue with precision and care. Iron Mountain Plumbing is a locally owned and operated company prioritizing professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Their team of experts undergoes rigorous drug testing and background checks to ensure the highest reliability and trustworthiness. With upfront pricing and warranties on their work, customers can have peace of mind knowing they are getting exceptional service. Iron Mountain Plumbing operates on core values that guide their interactions and service delivery.

They believe in doing the right thing and upholding honesty and ethics in every situation. They choose resilience, facing challenges head-on and finding innovative solutions. Family comes first; they treat customers like their own, actively listening to their needs.

They establish a solid trust, integrity, and reliability foundation, ensuring long-lasting customer relationships. Why should customers choose Iron Mountain Plumbing? The company offers a peak maintenance program to help homeowners keep their homes in shape.

With 24/7 live answering, customers can rely on immediate assistance whenever needed. The company employs licensed and experienced plumbers dedicated to delivering exceptional service. Additionally, all employees undergo drug testing and background checks to provide peace of mind to customers.

Their team of professionals upholds the highest standards of integrity, reliability, and professionalism, ensuring that every customer receives top-quality service. They're focused on providing fast and reliable service because plumbing emergencies can happen anytime. Just ask M. Austin Sumner, who said, "Responded Quickly! Came out the same day as we called for sewer backup. Cleared the problem and scoped the pipes to see what was happening."

Their primary focus is establishing trust, integrity, and reliability with their customers and team members. Their dedication to establishing a solid foundation guarantees stability, durability, and enduring connections. Customers can easily see the genuine commitment they have towards building long-term relationships.

For more information about Iron Mountain Plumbing and their services, please visit their website or contact them at (435) 704-0763.