The U.S. military has identified hundreds of bases with PFAS contamination but has been criticized for its slow efforts to clean up the dangerous chemicals, which can seep into surrounding communities’ water supplies.
Jeffrey Kluger reports for Time.
In short:
- PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," contaminate water supplies at 578 military bases across the U.S.
- The Department of Defense plans to prioritize cleanup only at sites with PFAS levels far exceeding EPA standards.
- Budget limitations and lawsuits from affected states are hampering efforts to address the contamination.
Key quote:
"This policy is DoD’s initial step to implement EPA’s new PFAS regulation and prioritizes action in locations where PFAS levels in drinking water are the highest."
— Brendan M. Owens, Assistant Secretary of Defense.
Why this matters:
PFAS exposure is linked to serious health risks including cancer and immune system damage. The military’s slow cleanup pace leaves surrounding communities at risk, delaying access to safe drinking water for years.
