The Environmental Protection Agency has set national limits for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water for the first time. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade easily and can linger in the environment for a long time. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and reproductive problems. The EPA announced that the levels of two common types of PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, should not exceed 4 parts per trillion in public drinking water, with three additional chemicals restricted to 10 parts per trillion.
PFOA and PFOS are the most widely used and studied types of PFAS, with older versions like PFNA and PFHxS and newer chemicals like GenX also being restricted. The new limits set by the EPA reflect the lowest levels that can be detected and treated effectively in water systems. The goal is to eliminate exposure to these chemicals, as there is no known safe level. Eleven states already have regulatory standards for PFAS in drinking water, and the EPA estimates that around 6-10% of public water systems in the U.S. will need upgrades to meet the new federal limits, benefiting around 100 million people.
The health risks associated with PFAS exposure include an increased risk of kidney and liver cancer, as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, and immune system. The new limits will help prevent thousands of deaths and serious illnesses. The EPA has also set limits for mixtures of multiple PFAS chemicals, providing guidelines for water systems to determine if the cumulative concentrations exceed the threshold. The agency reviewed public comments before making the limits official, which was seen as a significant step in improving the safety of tap water and addressing PFAS.
Despite these new limits, PFAS will continue to be a concern in drinking water, and there is still more work to be done. The EPA has made $1 billion in funding available to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment, with grants being distributed to public water systems and owners of private wells. Some public water systems have sued PFAS manufacturers to hold them accountable for the costs of testing and filtering. Activated carbon filters are the most common method for removing PFAS from water, with reverse osmosis and ion exchange resins also being used.
It can take years for exposure to PFAS to decrease even after water treatment, highlighting the long-term implications of these chemicals. The new limits apply to only a small fraction of the more than 12,000 types of PFAS, leading activists to express ongoing concern about overall exposure. While the new regulations represent progress in addressing PFAS contamination, there is still much to be done to ensure safe drinking water for all.
