The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step towards addressing drinking water contamination by finalizing unprecedented new limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These regulations target six PFAS compounds—PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS, PFNA, and PFHxS—and represent some of the most stringent health limits on PFAS in drinking water globally.
Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), the highest allowable concentration of a contaminant in drinking water, have been established for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion (ppt), and 10 ppt for GenX, PFNA, and PFHxS. Additionally, the EPA introduced a hazard index to address cumulative risks from chemical mixtures, applying to GenX, PFBS, PFNA, and PFHxS.
Ken Cook, President of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), hailed the decision as a long-overdue measure that will offer protection to millions of Americans who have been exposed to PFAS without oversight for decades. The announcement reflects a significant move to regulate drinking water, acknowledging the persistent threat posed by these chemicals.
Olga Naidenko, Ph.D., Vice President of Investigations at EWG, emphasized the importance of the new limits in light of emerging scientific research documenting various health risks associated with PFAS exposure. The implementation of these limits will not only address the specified PFAS compounds but also contribute to reducing exposure to other toxic chemicals present in drinking water.
Moreover, the EPA set a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for PFOA and PFOS at zero, based on identified cancer risks, underscoring the gravity of the health concerns associated with these chemicals. Melanie Benesh, Vice President for Government Affairs at EWG, stressed the public health significance of these regulations, estimating that they could prevent thousands of deaths and numerous serious health conditions linked to PFAS exposure.
The history of PFAS regulation has been marked by corporate concealment of health risks, as highlighted by attorney Rob Bilott, whose efforts to uncover PFAS contamination were depicted in the movie “Dark Waters.” The EPA’s recent initiatives build upon its ongoing work to assess PFAS health risks and propose regulatory measures, reinforcing the commitment to address the pervasive threat posed by these chemicals.
While the new MCLs focus on six prominent PFAS compounds, ongoing monitoring efforts by water utilities will provide further insights into contamination levels, potentially prompting regulation of additional compounds. Although ten states already have enforceable drinking water limits for certain PFAS, the federal limits set a benchmark for health protection, necessitating alignment with state standards where federal limits are more stringent.
Net-net, the EPA’s establishment of stringent limits on PFAS contaminants in drinking water marks a very important step towards safeguarding public health and mitigating the widespread impact of these persistent chemicals. By prioritizing health over corporate interests, these regulations signal a significant victory for communities affected by PFAS contamination. Here’s hoping it’s the start of a new trend!
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Source: Environmental Working Group (EWG), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Published April 10, 2024 5:40PM
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