The Biden administration has mandated the cleanup of two key PFAS compounds, categorizing them as hazardous under the federal Superfund law.
Maxine Joselow and Brady Dennis report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The EPA's new rule targets perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), designating them as hazardous substances to strengthen cleanup efforts.
- This designation is expected to impose significant financial liabilities on chemical producers and facilitate earlier intervention at contaminated sites.
- PFAS pollution is linked to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, fertility and developmental problems and immune system issues.
Key quote:
"Designating these chemicals under our Superfund authority will allow EPA to address more contaminated sites, take earlier action, and expedite cleanups, all while ensuring polluters pay for the costs to clean up pollution threatening the health of communities."
— Michael Regan, EPA administrator
Why this matters:
The latest rule is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen protections against the so-called "forever chemicals," which are ubiquitous in our bodies, water systems and consumer products. Just last week, the EPA introduced the first national standards to eliminate six of the most prevalent PFAS chemicals from American drinking water sources.
To keep up with the latest developments and science about PFAS, check in regularly with EHN's ongoing reporting project: PFAS on our shelves and in our bodies.
