Topline
Here’s how “forever chemicals”—manufactured chemicals that can easily contaminate water—can impact your health, including causing cancer and a weakened immune system, and why the EPA is moving to limit them.
EPA administrator Michael Regan testifies before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, … [+]
Key Facts
“Forever chemicals” is the colloquial term for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that have been used in everyday products since the 1940s.
They’re known as “forever” chemicals because they do not break down thanks to strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making it easy for these chemicals to linger in the environment and contaminate drinking water.
These chemicals are used in products for their waterproof and nonstick properties: They can be found in nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, food packaging like pizza boxes, medical equipment like face masks and cosmetic products.
Research has linked exposure to forever chemicals with kidney and testicular cancer, as well as weakened immune systems, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says scientists are still learning about health effects.
Forever chemicals have also been linked to decreased fertility, high blood pressure in pregnant women, developmental defects in children, interference with natural hormones and increased cholesterol levels.
Exposure to forever chemicals at very low levels, even lower than can be reliably detected, can still be dangerous and put people at risk.
Forever chemicals contamination is widespread: PFAS chemicals were detected in 98% of blood samples collected in 1999 and 2000, according to the CDC, though the levels of some of these chemicals has decreased as they have been phased out of manufacturing since the 2000s.
3M, a manufacturing giant that produces PFAS, said it will phase out forever chemicals by the end of 2025.
Forever chemicals have been detected in more than 330 animal species globally, and research suggests animals face similar health impacts to humans from exposure.
News Peg
The EPA proposed limits on the amount of forever chemicals that can be present in drinking water on Tuesday. The limit would be set to 4 parts per trillion, the lowest level that can be reliably measured, for PFAS chemicals. The agency is expected to make a final rule by the end of the year. Radhika Fox, assistant EPA administrator for water, called the proposal a “transformational change” and said this could reduce exposure to forever chemicals for up to 100 million Americans.
Key Background
The Biden administration has previously voiced support to limiting forever chemicals in drinking water, unveiling a plan in October 2021 for federal agencies, including the EPA, Department of Defense and Food and Drug Administration, to combat PFAS pollution. In June, the Biden administration announced the EPA would issue health advisories for certain PFAS and would distribute $1 billion in grant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law “to help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS contamination” in drinking water. Some states have already passed laws targeting forever chemicals: In July 2021, Maine passed a law that would ban the use of forever chemicals in all products by 2030, except when deemed “currently unavoidable.” Wisconsin also imposed limits on PFAS levels in drinking water in February 2022.
Surprising Fact
Some studies have suggested a link between PFAS exposure and the likelihood and severity of Covid-19 infection, though scientists say more research is needed. Forever chemicals have also been detected in face masks.
Crucial Quote
“People on the front-lines of PFAS contamination have suffered for far too long,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “That’s why EPA is taking aggressive action as part of a whole-of-government approach to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment and to help protect concerned families from this pervasive challenge.”
Further Reading
Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ about to get their first US limits (AP)
You probably have “forever chemicals” in your body. Here’s what that means. (Vox)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2023/03/14/what-are-forever-chemicals-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-water-may-be-limited-by-epa-heres-where-else-they-can-be-found/