Energy & Environment

The Big Story

EPA sets first national limits for PFAS in drinking water

The Biden administration Wednesday set the first-ever national limits for toxic and pervasive "forever chemicals" in drinking water.

The administration's action seeks to reduce the amount of chemicals belonging to a class known as PFAS in drinking water.

These substances, which have been used to make waterproof and nonstick products, have seeped into a significant portion of the nation's water. They have been linked to increased risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancer, weakened immune systems, developmental delays in children, decreased fertility and high blood pressure in people who are pregnant.

They have been nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they tend to persist in nature instead of breaking down.

While some states had previously set their own limits for the amount of PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that can be in drinking water, there was previously no restriction that applied nationwide.

The EPA said that its rule will reduce exposure to these substances for about 100 million people, preventing 9,600 deaths and nearly 30,000 illnesses in the coming decades.

Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.

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