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, known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and reproductive problems. The EPA’s new limits specifically target PFOA and PFOS, as well as three additional PFAS chemicals, with the goal of reducing exposure and improving public health.
PFOA and PFOS, widely used in nonstick products and firefighting foam, are the most studied types of PFAS. The new EPA limits aim to reflect the lowest detectable levels of these chemicals in drinking water. The agency encourages water systems to eliminate PFAS altogether, as there is no safe level of exposure. States already have regulatory standards for PFAS in drinking water, and the EPA estimates that a significant number of public water systems will need to make changes to comply with the new federal limits.
The EPA’s new limits are expected to benefit up to 100 million people served by water systems requiring upgrades. Water systems that do not currently monitor for PFAS have three years to start monitoring, followed by a two-year timeline for implementing new technologies to reduce PFAS levels. The agency estimates that the new limits will prevent thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of serious illnesses related to PFAS exposure.
PFAS exposure has been associated with an increased risk of various cancers and other health issues, such as kidney and liver cancer. Animal studies have shown that GenX chemicals can cause liver, kidney, and immune system damage. While the new EPA limits are a significant step forward in addressing PFAS contamination, there are still thousands of PFAS chemicals yet to be regulated, indicating a need for continued efforts to reduce overall exposure.
The EPA’s funding of $1 billion to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems, as well as assistance for owners of private wells, marks a significant investment in addressing PFAS contamination. Public water systems have also taken legal action against PFAS manufacturers to hold them accountable for the costs of testing and filtering for PFAS. Despite treatment options like activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange resins, it may take years to see substantial decreases in PFAS exposure.
Activists and experts acknowledge the progress made with the new EPA limits but emphasize that more needs to be done to address the extensive range of PFAS chemicals not covered by the current regulations. While the new limits represent a positive step in protecting public health, ongoing efforts are needed to reduce overall PFAS exposure and improve water quality for all.
