For decades toxic forever chemicals have been allowed into the environment without public and environmental health protections. Ohio River Foundation applauds this step by US EPA to take the first step by placing restrictive limits on the presence of six PFAS chemicals in drinking water. We hope that this is just the beginning of the imposition of more strict limits on chemical pollution and that permitting agencies will become more vigilant in protecting public water sources by demonstrating more caution when allowing companies to discharge chemicals, with dubious health profiles, into public water sources in the first place.
On April 10, 2024 the EPA announced that they have set limits for six types perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The compounds, otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” barely break down or degrade and can remain permanently in the air, water, and soil damaging our health and environment.
PFAS have been associated with a higher risk of certain cancers, heart disease, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, low birth weight, and reproductive issues, including decreased fertility.
>> Learn more about the new EPA regulation via NBC News here.
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