New federal standards for PFAS, or "forever chemicals," will guide the Air Force's cleanup efforts, potentially increasing testing for contaminated water supplies near military bases.
Thomas Novelly reports for Military.com.
In short:
- The EPA's new regulations set limits on PFAS exposure due to its links to serious health issues, including cancers and liver damage.
- The Air Force found PFAS contamination in 191 of 204 installations, prompting increased testing and potential mitigation measures like filtration systems or connecting to municipal water supplies.
- Cleanup prioritization will focus on the highest-risk locations, with continued collaboration between the Department of Defense, regulatory agencies, and communities.
Key quote:
"The new standards could mean more sampling of off-base drinking water supplies."
— Air Force press release
Why this matters:
Heightened PFAS testing and cleanup can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, improving public health outcomes for affected communities and ensuring safer drinking water. Read more: Pioneering study links testicular cancer among military personnel to ‘forever chemicals’.
