EPA Establishes Limits For “Forever Chemicals” In Drinking Water

The agency suggests, water systems should aim to eliminate the chemicals all together. It believes there is no safe level of exposure.

For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency has established national limits for six types of “forever chemicals” in drinking water.

The substances known as PFAS are barely degradable and are nearly impossible to destroy, so they can linger permanently in air, water and soil.

The chemicals have been associated with a higher risk of certain cancers, heart disease, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and more.

The EPA announced that levels of two types of PFAS can’t exceed 4 parts per trillion in public drinking water. These two types are commonly used in non-stick or stain-resistant products such as food packaging and fire-fighting foam.

Three additional PFAS chemicals will be restricted to 10 parts per trillion.

The EPA’s new limit reflects the lowest levels of PFAS allowed that laboratories can detect and effectively treat.

However, the agency suggests, water systems should aim to eliminate the chemicals all together. It believes there is no safe level of exposure.