The Environmental Protection Agency made a groundbreaking announcement on Wednesday, revealing its plans to introduce a national regulation that will restrict the levels of specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in drinking water. This marks the first time such a measure has been taken by the agency.
PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds that can be found in various environments, including air, water, and soil. These chemicals have a remarkable persistence and can take thousands of years to degrade naturally.
The EPA has declared that there is no level of exposure to PFAS that is considered safe without the risk of health impacts. As a result, the agency is now mandating that public water utilities conduct tests for six different types of PFAS chemicals in order to minimize exposure in drinking water. The implementation of these new standards is expected to decrease PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million individuals, according to the EPA. Furthermore, it is anticipated that these measures will also prevent numerous deaths and illnesses associated with PFAS contamination.
“Communities across the country have been dealing with the issue of drinking water contaminated with PFAS for far too long,” stated EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on Wednesday.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing $1 billion to states and territories to support the implementation of PFAS testing and treatment in public water systems. This funding is part of a $9 billion investment, made possible by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at assisting communities affected by PFAS contamination.
“In a statement, Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, emphasized President Biden’s commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water for all. She stated that President Biden firmly believes in ensuring access to this basic necessity for everyone.”
PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been in use since the 1940s for their ability to repel oil and water, as well as their heat resistance, which has made them a popular choice for various products. However, it is important to note that industry documentation has indicated that manufacturers have been aware of the toxicity of PFAS for many decades.
Regan mentioned during a press briefing that these chemicals can be found in a wide range of products, including nonstick cookware, cleaning agents, and personal care items. He emphasized that there is no denying the potential harm these chemicals can cause to both our health and the environment.
Research has confirmed that being exposed to certain levels of PFAS in the environment can lead to various health problems. These include reproductive issues such as decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and low birth weight. Additionally, exposure to PFAS can result in a suppressed immune system, increased cholesterol levels, impacts to the cardiovascular system, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
According to Dr. Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Sciences, the most compelling data is available for kidney cancer and testicular cancer. However, there is a growing body of evidence indicating the link between environmental factors and various other forms of cancer.
Critics argue that the EPA’s actions fall short in addressing the issue of PFAS chemicals due to the limited scope of regulation. With over 15,000 PFAS chemicals in existence, the current standard only covers six of them.
According to Birnbaum, it is essential to approach PFAS as a collective group of chemicals. She emphasizes the importance of questioning the necessity of these chemicals in our society.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 6% to 10% of the 66,000 public water utility systems affected by the standard may be required to take action in order to comply with the regulations. Operators will be given a three-year timeframe to conduct tests for PFAS pollution, followed by an additional two years to identify, acquire, and implement the necessary technology to treat contaminated water.
According to Erik D. Olson, senior strategic director of health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, the EPA predicts that treating all this water and safeguarding people’s health will require an estimated $1.5 billion. He further emphasizes that the benefits associated with these measures far surpass the costs involved.
Regulating PFAS on the federal level has been a time-consuming process, despite being aware of the risks for several years.
According to Olson, the chemical industry and certain water utilities are strongly opposed to EPA regulations on these chemicals. They fear the financial implications of stricter regulations and are unwilling to invest the necessary funds.
The responsibility for cleaning up the contamination caused by PFAS falls on the water utility companies, but the new regulations fail to hold the polluters responsible for the environmental and health damage caused by PFAS. In recent years, there have been significant settlements by chemical companies for PFAS contamination. One notable example is the $10.3 billion settlement reached by 3M in June 2023.
To minimize your potential exposure to PFAS in drinking water, you have a few options. Firstly, you can inquire with your water utility about their testing methods for these chemicals. Alternatively, you can have your water tested by a state-certified laboratory that follows EPA-testing standards. When it comes to eliminating PFAS from your home water source, there are various technologies available for purchase that can effectively filter these substances. Furthermore, to stay informed about PFAS usage in everyday products, there are comprehensive lists available that track companies that have prohibited the use of PFAS in their goods.
