The proposed limits set the allowable levels of PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals,' which can cause serious health problems, so that they could not be easily detected.
The forever chemicals are a toxic group of compounds linked to health issues, including low birthweight and cancer.The EPA proposed a plan to limit "forever chemicals" in drinking water, a chemical linked to a broad range of health issues.on Tuesday proposed the first federal limits on harmful "forever chemicals" in drinking water, a long-awaited protection the agency said will save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses, including cancer.
The proposal would set strict limits of 4 parts per trillion, the lowest level that can be reliably measured, for two common types of PFAS compounds called PFOA and PFOS. In addition, the EPA wants to regulate the combined amount of four other types of PFAS. Water providers will have to monitor for PFAS.
Public concern has increased in recent years as testing reveals PFAS chemicals in a growing list of communities that are often near manufacturing plants or Air Force bases. Utilities that have high levels of contaminant are typically given time to fix problems, but they could face fines or loss of federal grants if problems persist.
"Communities across this country have suffered far too long from the ever-present threat of PFAS pollution, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said. The EPA's proposal could prevent tens of thousands of PFAS-related illnesses, he said, and stands as a "major step toward safeguarding all our communities from these dangerous contaminants."
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