PFAS Will Soon Be Regulated by EPA
Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are
commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down
naturally through time. These toxic chemicals have been found in water supplies
in communities statewide. It is in the blood of 99.9 percent of all inhabitants
on Earth.
Until now, there have not been any stringent standards for
PFAS. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon regulate these
human-made toxins that pose severe and life-threatening health risks for millions
of people. In 2016, a recommended (yet unenforceable) health advisory limit was
set at 70 parts per trillion for PFAS in drinking water. Now, scientists are
saying those levels are unsafe for human health. With the new standards set by
the EPA, local water utility companies will encounter consequences if they do
not follow them.
PFAS can be found in much more than water; they have been
used for decades in Teflon pans, fire retardants, cosmetics, dental floss, food
packaging, clothing, cleaning supplies, and much more. With the new
regulations, manufacturers will be required to provide specific data about the
chemicals they use to create their products.
By 2023, the Defense Department will complete preliminary
evaluations of possible PFAS contamination in roughly 700 different
installations. The Food and Drug Administration, as well as the Agriculture and
Health and Human Services departments, are both researching the health effects
of PFAS.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said, “This is a really bold
set of actions for a big problem. This strategy really lays out a series of
concrete and ambitious actions to protect people. There are concrete steps that
we are taking that move this issue forward in a very aggressive way.”
PFAS
can lead to infertility risks, thyroid disease, cancer, developmental problems
in children, and much more. A 2016 study by scientists at Harvard University
found that drinking water supplies for more than six million Americans had
highly unsafe levels of PFAS.
The study’s lead author, Xindi Hu, said, “Virtually all
Americans are exposed to these chemicals. They never break down. Once they are
released into the environment, they are there.”
Robert Bilott, an environmental attorney whose story was
made famous by the movie “Dark Waters,” when he successfully sued DuPont on
behalf of plaintiffs exposed to PFAS in Ohio and West Virginia, said, “I do
believe that in this term, we will make significant progress on this issue. I
hate to be cynical, but I’ve been seeing this for 20 years. It’s massively
overdue. It’s decades overdue. This is a huge public health threat, and it’s
something that has just gone on way too long.”
More than likely, you have PFAS in your drinking water.
Contact the water purification experts at Reynolds today – we can ensure your
water is clean, pure, and safe from chemicals.
Reynolds
Water Conditioning was established
in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still
owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the
highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the
quality you deserve, contact us today at www.reynoldswater.com or call 800-572-9575.
Written by the digital marketing
staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.
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