Cancer-linked PFAS — known as ‘forever chemicals' — could be banned in drinking water for first time
The U.S. is now requiring utilities to remove "forever chemicals," or PFAS, from drinking water. These chemicals have been known to cause health issues.
For the first time, the federal government is proposing that utilities eliminate toxic chemicals from their drinking water. This includes certain cancers.
As part of a PFAS classification, the Environmental Protection Agency will require that there be no perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances. This is a higher standard than the previous regulations. Some chemicals have been linked to cancer, liver damage and fertility, thyroid problems, asthma, and other...
For the first time, the federal government is proposing that utilities eliminate toxic chemicals from their drinking water. This includes certain cancers.
As part of a PFAS classification, the Environmental Protection Agency will require that there be no perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances. This is a higher standard than the previous regulation. Some chemicals have been linked to cancer, liver damage and fertility, thyroid problems, asthma, and other health effects.
Manufacturers and retailers are being urged to oppose PFAS. Some trade groups have already taken a stand. Some PFAS were originally created during World War II's atomic-bomb campaign. They were later expanded to wider use.
Actually, PFAS are also known as "forever chemicals" and are ubiquitous in our modern lives. They are used in the manufacture of everything, from waterproof and stain-resistant clothing to cookware, toilet paper, and dental floss. According to at least one study, even newborn babies can have these chemicals in their bloodstream.
Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, announced this week the more stringent rules that the agency had been considering for some time due to the high cost of removing PFAS from so many products. The EPA will allow public comments to the proposed regulation for 60-days before it becomes law.
The agency hopes to mandate public water systems to monitor six PFAS and inform the public if they exceed the drinking-water standards.
The agency previously advised that drinking water should not contain more than 70 parts of these chemicals per trillion.
Regan stated that the EPA's proposal for a national standard to regulate PFAS in drinking waters is based on the best science and would provide the guidance states need to make the right decisions to best protect their communities.
According to the Denver Post, Colorado has many water sources that are contaminated.
The announcement was welcomed by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, who is a Republican and has previously worked on the issue. In a statement she said that she would like to hear from utility customers and water providers to determine how the standards will affect them and how Congress could help.
These chemicals are not able to be broken down in the environment. They can seep into groundwater, soil, rivers, and creeks. According to a 2020 peer-reviewed study, as many as 200 million Americans may be exposed to PFAS through their tap water.
Matt Casale, director of environment campaigns at the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, stated that 'pervasive PFAS should go the past' and that the EPA proposal "puts us on the right track."
He stated that Americans are being exposed to a wide range of chemicals every day. It is right to say "nevermore" to "forever chemicals" in our drinking water. These standards can be used to begin that process.
The American Chemistry Council represents chemical manufacturers and said that the two primary chemicals under regulation were mostly phased out by their members eight years ago.
In a statement, the group stated that it supports drinking water standards for chemicals based on the best available science'. However, the group questioned the EPA’s reasoning and claimed the new rulemaking would be an?overly conservative approach’ that was wrong.
Certain companies may be trying to avoid lawsuits and stricter regulations if they fail to report.
3M Co. MMM announced late last year that it would cease making chemicals forever and would discontinue their use for products by 2025.
This announcement was a significant break in the industry. It also marked the rethinking and reorganization of a whole class of chemicals that were used for over 70 years by 3M in Scotchgard treatment and other uses.