EPA will forever designate chemicals found in tap water as ‘hazardous substances’

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to classify “forever chemicals” found in some tap water, food packaging, and kitchenware as hazardous substances, as experts have learned in recent months to be more dangerous than previously believed.

The EPA is proposing a new name for the chemicals under the Super Fund Act, a 1980 law to remove hazardous materials from the environment. With the new designation, the regulator will have more funds to detect and clean up chemicals in rivers, lakes and other groundwater.

As a result, growing evidence suggests that chemicals are far more dangerous than previously believed. More research has emerged in recent months that exposure to chemicals often found in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, tap water and shampoo can lead to liver cancer, birth defects and more long-term health problems.

This will be the second major move the EPA has taken in recent months to fight chemicals forever. In June, the agency cut the maximum amount allowed in a household product by 99% to meet safety standards, with drastic action to limit exposure.

“These proposed regulations will increase transparency about the release of these harmful chemicals and help hold polluters accountable for cleaning up their pollution,” the EPA said in a statement.

If accepted, facilities should promptly report high levels of polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).

It will also provide access to finance for the treatment and cleanup of these chemicals. The EPA also used Superfund designations to track damages in court against parties held responsible for contamination.

The EPA recommended the rule change Friday, citing “substantial evidence that PFOA and PFOS may pose a significant hazard to human health or well-being and the environment.”

Earlier this year, the agency announced new guidance that no longer recommends drinking water containing more than 0.004 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFOA and 0.02 ppt of PFOS.

Previous guidelines had a recommended maximum amount of 70 ppt, which is a big change from the leading US environmental agency.

“People at the forefront of PFAS contamination have been suffering for a very long time,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.

“This is why the EPA is taking aggressive measures as part of a government response to prevent the release of these chemicals into the environment and protect affected families from this ubiquitous challenge.”

It’s not the only organization to propose drastic measures this month to combat contamination from these chemicals.

A report published by a panel of experts from the national academies of science, engineering, and medicine (NASEM) recommends that people with known exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) be monitored for trace amounts of the chemical – both at work and at home. Get additional information on blood and the possible long-term adverse effects of exposure.

Experts warn that although not every exposure can lead to poor health outcomes, nearly 100% of the US population may have been exposed to it.

“While not all infections are related to health advice violations, the ubiquity of contamination is alarming,” the report said.

“Moreover, nearly 100 percent of the U.S. population is exposed to at least one PFAS.”

The panel recommends that people with known exposure have blood tests to look for traces of the chemicals.

These chemicals are found in many products that Americans come into contact with on a daily basis. They are best known for non-stick pots and pans, where they can contaminate food after reaching high heat.

They are also commonly found in some stain-resistant and waterproof clothing and food packaging.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that chemicals can contaminate tap water.

As a result, some animals and crops that a person eventually eats can also be contaminated with the chemicals.

Some heat-sealed fast food packaging also use hazardous chemicals.

Authorities warn that many people have increased workplace exposure to chemicals, particularly those working at airports, military bases or wastewater treatment plants.

Such increased exposure can be incredibly dangerous. Chemicals can weaken a person’s antibody responses to certain diseases and increase the risk of serious complications or death.

It is also linked to multiple cancers such as breast, testicular, and kidney cancer. A mother with significant exposure to chemicals can pass it on to her baby when she gives birth. They are also more likely to have an unsuccessful pregnancy.

While the cuts will help prevent further exposure in the future, the NASEM article discusses what needs to be done more to help those already affected.

The Panel requests the CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to update its guidelines on these exposures.

First, especially those with known exposures in the workplace should get blood tests to check for chemicals forever.

Those who are later found to be at risk of health deficiencies from exposure should be aware of this and know what to watch out for with their health.