The latest science means that these chemical compounds are rather more hazardous to human well being than scientists had initially thought and are in all probability extra harmful at ranges hundreds of occasions decrease than beforehand believed. Publicity to the chemical could result in reproductive issues, coronary heart points, respiration issues, most cancers and issues with the immune system.
The EPA’s new proposal is to designate two of essentially the most broadly used PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — as hazardous substances beneath Superfund rules. The EPA mentioned it is going to publish the proposed rule within the federal register within the subsequent a number of weeks. That may give the general public 60 days to remark earlier than the rule could possibly be finalized.
If the proposal is finalized, releases of sure quantities of those chemical compounds must be reported to the federal government. The EPA believes this is able to encourage the businesses to have higher waste administration practices on the amenities that deal with the chemical.
The EPA mentioned the rule may additionally make the polluter pay fines and cleanup prices.
“Communities have suffered far too lengthy from publicity to those ceaselessly chemical compounds. The motion introduced right now will enhance transparency and advance EPA’s aggressive efforts to confront this air pollution, as outlined within the Company’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan mentioned in an company information launch. “Below this proposed rule, EPA will each assist shield communities from PFAS air pollution and search to carry polluters accountable for his or her motion.”
These chemical compounds can simply migrate into air, mud, meals, soil and water. Folks can be uncovered to them by way of meals packaging and industrial work.
“EPA actions are too little and too late,” Whitehouse mentioned. “This administration and former administrations have been fiddling round attempting to not upset chemical corporations and communities endure.”
Whitehouse mentioned whereas a Superfund designation implies that sure websites may have the ability to be cleaned up utilizing Superfund monies and Superfund designations, it is going to be years down the street.
“A number of communities could profit from the proposed rule, but it surely would not clear up the issue and the issue is that the EPA refuses to develop administration requirements for PFAS waste,” Whitehouse mentioned. Since they’re ceaselessly chemical compounds, there is no such thing as a actual, secure strategy to get rid of them.
“We’re simply going to get an increasing number of Superfund websites. So it is solely a band-aid on an issue that is being created day-after-day,” Whitehouse mentioned. “That is solely fixing an issue that is already been created versus stopping future issues.”
