Despite significant opposition from the chemical industry, the US Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has announced its first regulations targeting PFAs, or ‘forever chemicals,’ in American drinking water.
PFAs have been widely used in various products for decades and are known for their resistance to fire, oil, stains, and water. The new regulations will require water utilities to test for six classes of PFAS compounds, aiming to reduce exposure and health risks for around 100 million people in the US. A $1 billion fund has been allocated for treatment and testing, part of a larger investment to address PFAS contamination across communities.
EPA emphasized the long-standing issue of PFAS contamination and highlighted ongoing efforts by the agency to address this environmental and health concern.