The Biden administration's earlier push for tighter regulations faces a rollback from the Trump administration, raising concerns over environmental safety.
Trump Administration Eases PFAS Regulations Amid Health Concerns
Trump Administration Eases PFAS Regulations Amid Health Concerns
The E.P.A. announces revisions on PFAS limits in drinking water, affecting millions of Americans.
The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), in a recent announcement, stated it will uphold drinking water standards for two prevalent “forever chemicals,” yet plans to reduce restrictions on four other related types. These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly seep into tap water, leaving millions of Americans potentially exposed.
Due to their resilience to environmental degradation, PFAS have infiltrated everyday products like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant textiles, raising alarms about their adverse health effects. Studies indicate exposure to PFAS may result in various health issues, including metabolic disturbances, fertility complications, and heightened cancer risks.
While President Biden's administration mandated stringent measures to diminish the levels of six PFAS variants, particularly focusing on lowering PFOA and PFOS levels to four parts per trillion, the Trump administration plans to delay the compliance deadline from 2029 to 2031. The limit for the other four PFAS chemicals is set to be rescinded entirely.
E.P.A. Administrator Lee Zeldin remarked on the agency's commitment to manage nationwide standards for PFOA and PFOS while allowing a grace period for local water utilities to achieve compliance. He emphasized that the E.P.A. would persist in utilizing regulatory instruments to ensure pollution offenders are held accountable.
Due to their resilience to environmental degradation, PFAS have infiltrated everyday products like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant textiles, raising alarms about their adverse health effects. Studies indicate exposure to PFAS may result in various health issues, including metabolic disturbances, fertility complications, and heightened cancer risks.
While President Biden's administration mandated stringent measures to diminish the levels of six PFAS variants, particularly focusing on lowering PFOA and PFOS levels to four parts per trillion, the Trump administration plans to delay the compliance deadline from 2029 to 2031. The limit for the other four PFAS chemicals is set to be rescinded entirely.
E.P.A. Administrator Lee Zeldin remarked on the agency's commitment to manage nationwide standards for PFOA and PFOS while allowing a grace period for local water utilities to achieve compliance. He emphasized that the E.P.A. would persist in utilizing regulatory instruments to ensure pollution offenders are held accountable.
