EPA Finalizes First National Water Standard to Protect People From ‘Forever Chemicals’

Filtered water being poured from a Pan American World Airways pitcher.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency promulgated on Wednesday new standards for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Known as “forever chemicals,” they are long-lasting synthetic chemicals that do not break down naturally in the environment.

PFOS, PFOA and other PFASs are commonly described as persistent organic pollutants or, more commonly, “forever chemicals” because they do not break down via natural processes, although some eventually do, albeit in periods measured in thousands of years. In addition to being found in water, they are found in air, fish, and soil across the globe. (Was your salmon filet last night tasty?)
One peer-reviewed paper identified forever chemicals in teas, pork, candy, sports drinks, processed meat, butter, chips, and bottled water, among other items. The paper also identified higher PFAS blood levels among those who consumed more carryout or food prepared at restaurants.
Forever chemicals are known to cause numerous health issues including cancer, heart and liver problems, and developmental and cognitive damage.
The new rules call for drinking water concentrations of PFOAs and PFOS’ to be capped at 4 parts per trillion.
This is the lowest limit that the EPA believes is technologically feasible, although researchers do not believe that any exposure is without risk.
Three other common PFAS will be limited to ten parts per trillion, either measured on their own, in combination with each other, or with one otherwise unregulated chemical.
Many PFASs came into use in the mid-20th century in products and on materials due to their enhanced water-resistant properties The list of such products includes Teflon including Teflon-coated pans, in addition to carpets, rugs, furniture textiles, window treatments, children’s car seats, food packaging, takeout containers, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, umbrellas, outdoor gear, and stain-proof and waterproof clothing.
The dawn of the twenty-first century has brought with it far more research on the environmental impact and toxicity to human and mammalian life that forever chemicals occasion.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)