New EPA rule requires near-total elimination of ‘forever chemicals’ from municipal tap water

For the first time, the federal government is requiring municipal water systems to remove six synthetic chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems that are present in the tap water of hundreds of millions of Americans (Source: “E.P.A. Says ‘Forever Chemicals’ Must Be Removed From Tap Water,” New York Times, April 10).
 
The extraordinary move from the Environmental Protection Agency mandates that water providers reduce perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, to near-zero levels. The compounds, found in everything from dental floss to firefighting foams to children’s toys, are called “forever chemicals” because they never fully degrade and can accumulate in the body and the environment.
 
Exposure to PFAS has been associated with metabolic disorders, decreased fertility in women, developmental delays in children and increased risk of some prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, according to the EPA.
 
Last month, HPIO released a policy brief titled, Connections between Water Quality and Health. The brief focuses on the importance of clean water and the many effects that water pollution and deteriorating infrastructure can have on health throughout life, highlighting data and information for policymakers to improve Ohio’s water quality.

HPIO is hosting a 30-minute webinar on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. to discuss findings from the brief. For more information and to register visit our website.