04/10/2024

The EPA Puts Limits on 'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water

This is the first time the agency has set enforceable limits on PFAS

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new drinking water standards to limit exposure to a class of chemicals called PFAS. PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s to waterproof and stainproof products from clothing, makeup and furniture to firefighting foam and semiconductors.

"There's no doubt that these chemicals have been important for certain industries and consumer uses, but there's also no doubt that many of these chemicals can be harmful to our health and our environment," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan to reporters.

This is the first time the agency has set enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water.

Please select this link to read the complete article from NPR.