A significant move by the Biden administration aims to improve water quality standards nationwide, particularly regarding "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, impacting millions of Americans.
Will Atwater reports for North Carolina Health News.
In short:
- The Environmental Protection Agency has implemented new clean water standards for PFAS, addressing concerns raised by communities across the country.
- The administration's initiative includes a $1 billion allocation to assist states and territories in testing and treating PFAS contamination in public water systems.
- The EPA's action is part of broader efforts, including the Cancer Moonshot program, to enhance public health and environmental protection.
Key quote:
”Having the EPA set these limits is going to be life-changing for not just our community but communities around the United States that are just learning about PFAS.
— Beth Markesino, founder of North Carolina Stop GenX Now in Our Water
Why this matters:
The Biden administration's move to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances is primarily aimed at protecting public health and the environment. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals notorious for their persistence in the environment and in human bodies, where they can accumulate over time. They are linked to various adverse health outcomes, including cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues.
From manufacturing to packaging, PFAS are getting into cosmetics, clothes, and food even when companies are not intentionally adding the chemicals.
