In a potentially life-changing decision, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)— a federal agency that has responded to environmental problems since 1970— announced a new national standard in April 2024 that will significantly limit the amount of six different PFAS chemicals allowed in public drinking water systems.
PFAS, which stands for “per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances”, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used since the 1950s in a variety of consumer and industrial products like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam.
They don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body, which is why they’ve earned the nickname “forever chemicals.” Decades of widespread PFAS use and improper disposal have led to these chemicals accumulating in our water, air, soil, wildlife, and even our blood. That’s a serious concern: exposure to PFAS has been linked to a host of potential health issues, including certain cancers, liver damage, high cholesterol, and weakened immunity.
Under the EPA’s new regulation, U.S. public water utilities will be required to regularly monitor levels of six common types of PFAS and ensure the total concentration remains below 4 parts per trillion. The EPA estimates 6-10% of water systems nationwide will need to make changes to comply with this strict new standard. While this will require significant effort and investment, it’s an important step to protect tens of millions of Americans from the harmful effects of PFAS in their drinking water.
The FDA’s February 2024 Ruling
The new EPA rule comes on the heels of another major federal action against PFAS earlier in 2024. In February, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered food manufacturers to stop using PFAS in food packaging like grease-resistant takeout containers and wrappers. These two initiatives mark meaningful progress in the battle to start reducing PFAS exposure and protecting public health.
However, while these new regulations will help prevent future PFAS contamination, they don’t address the damage already done by decades of largely unchecked chemical use. Lawsuits against major PFAS manufacturers like 3M and DuPont have surged in recent years, with over 15,000 legal cases already filed by claimants who believe they were harmed by PFAS exposure. As more information comes to light about what these companies knew regarding the risks of PFAS, they will likely face increasing legal and financial consequences.
There’s still a long way to go, but the new EPA drinking water standard represents a significant victory for environmental safety and public health. By limiting toxic “forever chemicals” in our tap water, this historic regulation will help protect Americans from some of the most pervasive and dangerous pollutants of the modern era.
