Cheryl Osimo, Executive Director of Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, says, “We all deserve safe drinking water; this proposal by the EPA is a step in the right direction to protect future generations in the Commonwealth and across the nation.“
EPA Announcement
On March 14, 2023, EPA announced the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). The proposed PFAS NPDWR does not require any actions until it is finalized. EPA anticipates finalizing the regulation by the end of 2023. EPA expects that if fully implemented, the rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses.
EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed regulation. Read more on the EPA website and submit comments here.
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
Boston Globe Article
On March 15, 2023, the Boston Globe reported EPA moves to crack down on ‘forever chemicals’, utilities will have to remove 2 toxins from tap water
WASHINGTON — For the first time, the federal government will require utilities to remove from drinking water two toxic chemicals found in everything from waterproof clothing to dental floss and even toilet paper, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday.
Michael S. Regan, the administrator of the EPA, said the government intends to require near-zero levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, part of a class of chemicals known as PFAS. Exposure to the chemicals has been linked to cancer, liver damage, fertility and thyroid problems, asthma, and other health effects.
“This is very significant,’’ Regan said. “This is the first time in US history that we’ve set enforceable limits for PFAS pollution.’’ Read more on the Boston Globe website.