EPA launches landmark proposal to curb ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
EPA launches groundbreaking proposal to curb ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water – a move that could radically affect nearly every American household
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed the first-ever standards for PFAS chemicals in drinking water.
It should contain no more than four parts per trillion for PFOA and four parts per trillion for PFOS, the new proposed limit states.
The move could mean drinking water is drastically safer for almost everyone in the US, with thousands of deaths prevented, said the EPA.
PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals that over time can cause serious health problems, such as cancer.
The chemicals are in a variety of products, including cleaning products, cookware, dishes, stain-resistant carpets and clothing, and even toilet paper.
Drinking water should contain no more than four parts per trillion for PFOA and four parts per trillion for PFOS under the new proposed rules
Public water systems will need to be monitored for these chemicals. If levels exceed standards, systems should inform the public and reduce contamination.
There will also be a standard based on the hazard of a mixture of four additional PFAS chemicals: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS and HFPO-DA (commonly known as Gen X).
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said, “Communities in this country have suffered for far too long from the ever-present threat of PFAS pollution.”
He added, “This action has the potential to prevent tens of thousands of PFAS-related illnesses and marks an important step toward protecting all of our communities from these dangerous contaminants.”
PFAS chemicals are used as oil and water repellents and coatings for common products, including cookware, carpets and textiles.
The endocrine disruptors are not broken down when released into the environment and continue to accumulate over time.
PFAS chemicals can contaminate drinking water supplies near facilities where the chemicals are used.
They also enter the food supply through food packaging materials and contaminated soil.
Concerned about the chemicals’ ability to weaken children’s immune systems, the EPA said last year that PFAS could wreak havoc at levels “much lower than previously believed.”
There is some evidence that the compounds are linked to low birth weight, kidney cancer and a slew of other health problems.