EPA Takes New Actions on PFAS Substances
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on June 15 the release of four new drinking water health advisories for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS.
PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals found in food packaging and other common commercial products that can cause severe health problems.
The EPA has been exploring ways for large groups of chemicals that have similar characteristics or properties to be grouped together and addressed all at once.
The recent move by the agency establishes new health advisories for GenX and PFBS, and lowers health advisories for PFOA and PFOS.
The move coincides with the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap for 2021-2024, which was released by Administrator Michael Regan on October 18, 2021, to take specific actions and bolder policy moves to protect the health of Americans and the environment, and hold polluters accountable.
President Biden released an action plan to deliver clean drinking water to the American people, and his bipartisan infrastructure law includes $5 billion in funds for protecting communities impacted the most by PFAS contamination.
The EPA is also inviting states and territories to apply for $1 billion in grant funding to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, specifically in small or disadvantaged communities.
The agency will send notice to states and territories on how to submit a letter of intent to participate in the grant.
Alexa can be reached at [email protected]
