The United States government, for the first time, is taking steps to restrict dangerous cancer-causing "forever chemicals" by requiring utilities to remove them from drinking water and other areas.
Many health experts warn that the two chemicals in question, which are ubiquitous in modern society, are linked to a range of adverse health effects. These chemicals are used in everything, from waterproof clothing to dental floss and toilet paper.
Restricting Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water
The Tuesday Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement came from its administrator, Michael S. Regan, who said that the federal government plans to require near-zero levels of the two chemicals, identified as perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
These two are part of a class of chemicals known as PFAS, and exposure to them has been linked to cancer, liver damage, fertility and thyroid issues, and other adverse health effects.
During an interview, Reagan said that the decision was "very significant" because it was the first time in the history of the United States that the agency had enforced limits for PFAS pollution. The two substances are so ubiquitous in modern life that every American, including newborn babies, carry PFAS in their bloodstream, as per the New York Times.
The substances are called chemicals forever because they are resistant to being broken down and continue to persist in the environment, seeping into soil and water. As many as 200 million Americans are exposed to PFAS in their tap water, as per data from a peer-reviewed study in 2020.
The EPA found last year that the chemicals are capable of causing harm at levels "much lower than previously understood." It also noted that almost no level of exposure was safe, advising that drinking water contains no more than 0.004 parts per trillion of perfluorooctanoic acid and 0.02 parts per trillion of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid.
The agency previously advised that drinking water contains no more than 70 parts per trillion chemicals. The EPA is now accepting public comments on the proposed regulation for the next 60 days before they take effect and become the new legal limit.
Dangers of the Substances
The new rule would require communities to test and treat water for six dangerous chemicals. According to BBC, the EPA said that once the new regulations are implemented, they would help prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of PFAS-attributable severe illnesses.
The situation comes despite most U.S. companies phasing out the manufacturing of the most well-studied PFAS chemicals, PFOS and PFOA. However, they remain widespread in the environment due to their lack of degradation.
The newly announced regulations also come as other countries worldwide are reckoning how to regulate the forever chemicals. Canada and the European Union are currently proposing and adopting new universal limits on PFAS levels contained in drinking water.
Reagan said that the decision was a step forward in the right direction and added that it was a bold step by the EPA to protect the public's health. He noted that the new regulations would benefit generations to come, said CNN.