- EPA releases draft criteria for three common PFAS chemicals.
- Recommendations may guide states and Tribes in protecting water quality.
- Public comment period will last 60 days.
December 20, 2024 — Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its draft recommendations for managing PFAS
—those persistent chemicals known as “forever chemicals” used in everything from waterproof jackets to nonstick pans. The aim? To safeguard human health by setting health-based thresholds for three specific PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFOS, and PFBS. These substances, known for their resistance to breaking down, are now under closer scrutiny due to potential health risks from long-term exposure.
These draft criteria don’t carry the weight of law but serve as scientifically grounded benchmarks for states and Tribes to consider when establishing water quality standards. They focus on chronic exposure levels, identifying concentrations unlikely to harm human health over time. While the guidelines concentrate solely on health outcomes, the EPA clarified that economic and technological challenges—such as how feasible it is to meet these targets—will be discussed separately in future regulations.
Why It Matters.
PFAS, nicknamed “forever chemicals,” have been detected in various water sources, raising alarms about their persistence in the environment and ability to accumulate in living organisms. The EPA’s recommendations provide a reference point for decision-makers, especially those managing water quality in communities dependent on potentially contaminated waters for drinking, fishing, and recreation.
Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. However, research is still ongoing to determine how different levels of exposure to different PFAS can lead to a variety of health effects. Research is also underway to better understand the health effects associated with low levels of exposure to PFAS over long periods of time, especially in children.
What We Know about Health Effects.
Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
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- Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
- Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
- Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
- Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
- Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
- Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.
Opportunities for Public Engagement.
The EPA is inviting public feedback on the draft guidelines. For 60 days following the notice in the Federal Register, anyone can submit written comments. This input will inform the finalization process, ensuring the criteria reflect both the latest scientific findings and public concerns.
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