This update is based on the latest science, and these chemicals are far more dangerous to human health than scientists thought, and probably thousands of times lower than previously believed. It suggests that there is.
This PFAS family of synthetic chemicals, as the “eternal” name implies, is present in the environment and the human body for long periods of time.
There are hundreds of chemicals in the family, but the most well-known are PFOS and PFOA.
Science has discovered that exposure to PFAS can lead to serious health problems. Exposure is associated with liver damage, thyroid disease, diabetes, decreased fertility, kidney problems, high cholesterol, obesity, hormonal suppression, and cancer.
Since the 1940s, manufacturers have widely adopted the use of PFAS because they are good at repelling oil and water. The characteristic elemental bonds between fluorine and carbon are so strong that they make it difficult for chemicals to break down in the environment and in the body.
The chemicals are contained in Teflon’s non-stick products. Water repellent for carpets, furniture and clothing. Paints, cleaning agents, cosmetics, food packaging, fire extinguishing foam.
These chemicals can easily move to air, dust, food, soil and water. People can also be exposed to them through food packaging and industrial work.
In 2016, the EPA recommended that the PFAS concentration in drinking water be 70 parts / trillion (ppt) or less. The interim recommendation, updated on Wednesday, recommends PFOA below 0.0004 ppt and PFOS at 0.02 ppt, so chemicals cannot be reliably detected.
Also on Wednesday, the EPA issued its first final recommendation on drinking water restrictions for the PFAS chemical GenX, which is considered an alternative to PFOA, and PFBS, an alternative to PFOS. Currently, we recommend less than 10 ppt for GenX and less than 2,000 ppt for PFBS.
“Today’s actions highlight EPA’s efforts to address PFAS pollution, protect public health, and use the best science available to provide important information quickly and transparently.” WaterRadhikaFox’s EPA Assistant Administrator said in a statement.
Advisories are not enforceable, but may affect drinking water regulations and surveillance programs at the state and federal levels. There are also thousands of proceedings going through court against companies that have used these chemicals.
The EPA says it is making the first $ 1 billion of the $ 5 billion grant from President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law available to help communities reduce PFAS in drinking water. I did.
Source: www.cnn.com
