New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines mark a turning point in regulating harmful PFAS chemicals in U.S. water systems.
Sabrina Tavernise hosts the episode for The New York Times.
In short:
- PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are found in numerous consumer products beyond water, posing health risks.
- New EPA regulations target only six types of PFAS, despite thousands existing, raising concerns about their overall impact.
- Serious health concerns linked to PFAS include cancer and liver disease, affecting communities and wildlife.
Key quote:
"PFAS stands for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They’re often called forever chemicals just because they persist so long in the environment and they don’t easily break down."
— Kim Tingley, reporter.
Why this matters:
Despite new EPA actions, the extensive presence of these chemicals in everyday products remains a pervasive threat reflecting the need for comprehensive policies to protect communities and ecosystems from harmful chemicals. Read more in this Q&A: Award-winning scientist Anne Starling on the latest PFAS research— and where she finds hope.
