EPA Takes Action to Limit Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water
sustainabilityawakening.com
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its first-ever regulations to limit toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water.
PFAS chemicals are a class of persistent, man-made chemicals that can cause serious health problems and have contaminated water across the US.
PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer, immune system problems, and low birth weights, among other health issues.
The EPA's new regulations will set maximum contaminant levels for PFAS chemicals in public water systems.
The regulations will also require water utilities to test for 30 types of PFAS chemicals and notify customers if levels are above the limit.
The regulations have been praised by health and environmental advocates, who have long called for action on PFAS contamination.
However, some critics say the regulations don't go far enough, as they only address a subset of PFAS chemicals.
Some states, like Michigan, have already set their own PFAS limits, which are stricter than the federal regulations.
PFAS chemicals are often found near military bases and industrial sites, but can also be in everyday products like nonstick cookware and dental floss.
PFAS chemicals are called 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time.
The EPA's regulations are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to protect public health from the dangers of PFAS contamination.