Are you sick of PFAS yet? The right question might be, are you sick from PFAS yet? The EPA just set new standards on public drinking water regarding PFAS. Just as a reminder, PFAS are “forever chemicals” that are in many household products. The EPA has previously stated that there is no level of exposure to these chemicals that don’t pose a health risk, including some cancers. Here is the break down:
“The U.S. EPA set final drinking water standards for multiple types of PFAS on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the agency’s ongoing efforts to regulate forever chemicals that will have implications for waste facility operators.”
Agencies must monitor the levels of PFAS in the drinking water and reduce them to a standard of parts-per-million as set by the EPA in a phased approach. Although the ruling will affect less than 10% of municipalities, this legislation is a pretty big deal.
“[this act is a] landmark development in the history ... of environmental law and regulation.” -Ken Cook (President of the Environmental Working Group)
We are still waiting to see if the EPA chooses to add PFAS to the Hazardous Waste category. Of course I will keep you posted!
Let’s build that bridge,
Rebecca