The U.S. government on Tuesday proposed rules that would for the first time regulate the presence of “forever chemicals” in drinking water.
The regulations would apply to hazardous chemicals known as PFAS, an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that’s pronounced “p-fas.” The chemicals can repel water, stains and grease. For decades they’ve been added to food packaging, firefighting foams, carpets and fabrics, water-repellent clothing and non-stick pans.
But they don’t always stay put. PFAS contaminate drinking water across Washington state and around the nation and have been detected in breast milk.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules would designate two PFAS as hazardous substances, increase monitoring for PFAS in drinking water, and require public notification of contamination.
Seattle’s Toxic-Free Future has helped lead the call for restrictions and cleanup of the chemicals. The nonprofit recently partnered with university scientists for a study that found PFAS in the breast milk of all 50 mothers who provided a sample for the research.
Studies show that exposure to PFAS can cause developmental effects or delays in children, increased incidence of some kinds of cancers, reduced immune response, and decreased fertility.
“We urgently need to turn off the tap so we are no longer putting more of these chemicals into the environment,” said Erika Schreder, science director for the nonprofit, in an earlier interview.
Seattle-area startup Aquagga is developing technology to help mitigate existing contamination.
“These new federal EPA PFAS standards will cause a positive domino effect across the industry and countries around the world who have been watching the U.S. closely as the prominent leader in addressing the PFAS crisis,” said Aquagga co-founder Nigel Sharp, via email.
“It sets a baseline that is challenging but achievable and demonstrates public health is a priority for the [Biden] administration,” he added.
Aquagga’s technology breaks down and destroys PFAS. The company is building on research done at the University of Washington and University of Alaska. Aquagga is testing a pilot system in Tacoma, Wash., and is raising capital through a crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder. It was featured in GeekWire’s Elevator Pitch competition last year.
Washington state has been a leader in banning PFAS in multiple consumer products and testing for contamination.
There is a 60-day public comment period before the EPA finalizes the PFAS rules.
