The Environmental Protection Agency has designated PFOA and PFOS, two forever chemicals, as hazardous substances. This measure aims to facilitate faster cleanup of these toxic compounds and hold industries financially accountable for contamination. Reporting of their release into soil or water is mandated, and the EPA can require cleanups to protect public health. The chemicals have been voluntarily phased out, but they remain in limited use and do not degrade over time.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used since the 1940s in various consumer products and industries. These chemicals can accumulate in the human body and persist for long periods, potentially leading to cancer and other health issues. Evidence from studies has shown that exposure to PFOA or PFOS can cause liver and heart damage as well as developmental issues in infants and children. The EPA has imposed strict limits on certain PFAS in drinking water to reduce exposure for 100 million people and prevent illnesses like cancer.
Chemical companies have faced legal complaints for polluting drinking water systems with PFAS. Last year, companies like DuPont and 3M reached billion-dollar settlements to compensate water providers for contamination. President Biden’s administration recognizes the health threat posed by forever chemicals and aims to expedite cleanups while ensuring polluters pay for the costs. The EPA will focus enforcement efforts on significant contributors to PFAS release, including manufacturing companies and federal agencies.
PFAS found in firefighting foam has contaminated groundwater at military bases and other locations where it is used. The Superfund law allows the EPA to clean up contaminated sites and hold responsible parties accountable for cleanup costs. The EPA’s action follows a report that labels PFAS as a serious public health threat worldwide. PFOA and PFOS were determined to be more dangerous than previously thought and pose health risks even at low levels undetectable currently.
The designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances will ensure that the manufacturers most responsible for widespread contamination pay for cleanup costs. This measure will help protect millions of American families from exposure to toxic chemicals. The EPA’s Superfund rule is seen as a step in the right direction towards holding polluters accountable for decades of contamination. Efforts will be made to focus on significant sources of PFAS contamination, making sure that responsible parties bear the costs of cleaning up their releases. Water utilities, fire departments, and other groups will not be unfairly burdened with cleanup costs without defined standards.
