EPA Is Underestimating
'Forever Chemicals' , in US Water Supply, , Report Suggests.
'The Guardian' conducted an analysis of
nine water samples from locations across the U.S.
The analysis suggests that the limited nature of water tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)... .
... could mean that many "forever chemicals" in multiple U.S. water supplies are simply missed.
The EPA is doing the bare minimum it can and that’s putting people’s health at risk, Kyla Bennett, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, via ‘The Guardian’.
"Forever chemicals" refer to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that do not break down completely and can be toxic.
The Biden administration recently acknowledged that PFAS contamination poses “a serious threat across rural, suburban and urban areas.”.
$10 billion has been set aside to address the threat.
The EPA responded to the report.
[The EPA] continues to conduct research and monitor advances in analytical methodologies … that may improve our ability to measure more PFAS, EPA Statement, via ‘The Guardian’.
Researchers say that part of the issue has to do with the extent of industry regulations over the past several decades.
Industry has had a 70-year head start and we’re never going to catch up, Graham Peaslee, University of Notre Dame Researcher, via ‘The Guardian’.
Public health advocates say the report makes it clear that increased testing and research is needed.
That’s left me with more questions about what’s making up that total and makes me want more testing in my community, Andrea Amico, Public Health Advocate,
via ‘The Guardian’
