US says two "eternal chemicals" are dangerous and tells polluters they must pay April 20, 2024

The so-called "eternal chemicals" are present in water, soil, air, and the food supply - they are invisible and never break down in the environment (JUSTIN SULLIVAN)

By AFP - Agence France Presse

US says two "eternal chemicals" are dangerous and tells polluters they must pay

The US Environmental Protection Agency on Friday classified two so-called "eternal chemicals" as hazardous substances, meaning that those responsible for releasing them will have to pay to clean up the contamination.

The two chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are the most studied and most widely detected among the "eternal chemicals" known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

Exposure to these substances "has been linked to cancers, liver and heart impacts, and immune and developmental damage in infants and children," the EPA said in a statement.

PFOA was previously used in Teflon non-stick cookware, and PFOS was used in coatings to protect clothing and carpets, as well as in fire-fighting foams.

The new designation "allows EPA to address more contaminated sites, act sooner, and speed up cleanups while ensuring that polluters pay for the costs of cleaning up pollution that threatens the health of communities," said EPA chief Michael Regan.

When the new EPA rule goes into effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register, companies will be required to immediately designate any release of PFOA or PFOS that exceeds allowable limits.

"The designation is especially important because delaying treatment of contamination allows PFOA and PFOS more time to migrate in water and soil, worsening existing contamination," the agency said.

Earlier this month, US authorities announced the first national standards for tap water to protect the public from toxic "forever chemicals", which are invisible and present in water, soil, air, and the food supply.

The measure would reduce exposure to PFAS in the water supply of about 100 million people, preventing thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of serious illnesses, the EPA said.

PFAS accumulate in the human body and never break down in the environment.

According to a study carried out in 2023 by a government agency, at least 45% of tap water in the United States is contaminated with PFAS.

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