March 15, 2023 – The Environmental Protection Agency is propose a new rule This would significantly reduce the concentration of “eternal” endocrine-disrupting chemicals in drinking water.
The EPA on Tuesday announced the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six polyfluorinated alkyl substances, better known as PFASThese are man-made chemicals used as oil and water repellents and coatings for common products akin to cookware, carpets, and textiles. Such substances are also commonly utilized in cosmetics and food packaging.
The Endocrine Society, which represents greater than 18,000 doctors who treat hormone disorders, says it fully supports the brand new EPA proposal.
It explains that these substances, also often called endocrine disrupting chemicals, “do not break down when released into the environment and continue to accumulate over time. They pose a health threat even at incredibly low levels and have been linked to endocrine disruptions such as cancer, thyroid disorders and reproductive problems.”
“This is the first time in over 30 years that the government has regulated the use of a new chemical in drinking water,” the society notes, adding that it “requires extensive improvements in water treatment at utilities across the country.”
Robert F. Powelson, president and CEO of the National Association of Water Companies, says tackling the PFAS problem within the nation's water supply will cost “billions of dollars.”
“It’s a burden that, under current structures, will fall disproportionately on water and wastewater customers in small communities and low-income families,” Powelson says. in a statementHe says responsibility should as an alternative lie with “the polluters” – those that produce and use PFAS chemicals, who “should be held directly responsible for the costs of cleanup.”
Although the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes a maximum limit of zero contaminants in drinking water for health reasons, it acknowledges that this isn’t enforceable. Therefore, it has set what it considers an enforceable value or maximum contaminant limit (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion for 2 of the PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
A special standard was proposed for the remaining 4 chemicals: perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) – collectively often called GenX chemicals –, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS).
EPA officials told The Washington Post that these proposed limits could be as stringent or much more stringent than the boundaries set by a couple of dozen states which have set their very own drinking water standards in recent times.
“The experts here felt that this was the level of rigor needed to protect public health and that the law would allow us to do this,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan told the newspaper. “This is a transformative action we are taking.”
The EPA is in search of public comments on the proposed regulation and can hold a public hearing on May 4, at which the general public register to participate and comment on the proposed rule. The last day to register is April twenty eighth.
The EPA goals to finish the regulation by the tip of 2023, but recent rules are sometimes subject to delays.
If fully implemented, “the rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses attributable to PFAS,” the EPA statement said.