The Biden administration is implementing a first-of-its-kind policy that could be game-changing for millions of Americans.
As detailed by The New York Times, the Environmental Protection Agency is requiring “municipal water systems across the country to remove six synthetic chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems” from tap water. are doing.
The move will require water utilities to reduce “permanent chemicals” such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to “near zero levels”.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan called the new policy “life-changing” and said it is the federal government's most significant effort to reduce the presence of PFAS in drinking water.
“This measure will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce serious illness by tens of thousands,” Regan said in a call with reporters. “We are one big step closer to turning off the chemical faucet forever.”
The presence of PFAS is found in common items such as clothing, shampoo, cosmetics, dental floss, and children's toys. The New York Times reports that these chemicals are so prevalent that they are “present in the blood of nearly everyone in the United States,” and that a 2023 government study found PFAS in nearly half of America's tap water. It pointed out.
The fact that these chemicals are not completely broken down not only makes them dangerous to the environment, but also to humans who inadvertently ingest them.
EPA says that exposure to PFAS may be associated with metabolic disorders, reduced fertility in women, growth retardation in children, and increased risk of some prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers. I reported it.
Enacting new regulations will be difficult, as the EPA estimates that water utilities will face an annual cost of $1.5 billion to comply. However, these utilities raised concerns about how they would be financed, arguing that it could actually cost twice as much. Some warned that higher water prices would cost taxpayers more money and that some products could be manufactured overseas to circumvent regulations.
On the other hand, utility companies and mass market food and beverage companies could be exposed to class action lawsuits if they knowingly allow such contamination to remain in public water supplies or products that use unfiltered tap water. There is. Therefore, investing in modern filtration may be a business necessity in any case. More than that, Regan said in a separate release, it's the right thing to do.
“PFAS-contaminated drinking water has plagued communities across this country for far too long,” Regan said. “That’s why President Biden has made tackling PFAS a top priority and invested historic resources to address these harmful chemicals and protect communities across the country. , [we will] We save thousands of lives and help children grow up healthier. ”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act of 2021 provides $9 billion to communities to combat PFAS contamination, and the government has already put policies in place to protect taxpayers.
The EPA said $1 billion will be set aside to support states as testing and treatment begin. There may also be tax breaks and credits provided by the Inflation Control Act. More information can be found in this guide.
“It has taken far too long to get here, but the scientific facts and truth about the health threat posed by these man-made toxins is finally being disseminated,” said Robert A. Bilot, an attorney of more than 20 years. Ta. We are suing over the dangerous dumping of PFAS chemicals.
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