Communities await first US limits on 'forever chemicals'
The IndependentThe latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Concerned about the chemicals' ability to weaken children's immune systems, the EPA said last year that PFAS could cause harm at levels “much lower than previously understood.” "We as a community of scientists and policymakers and regulators really missed the boat early on,” said Susan Pinney, director of the Center for Environmental Genetics at the University of Cincinnati. “Small systems often need technologies that are more simple to operate,” said Jonathan Pressman, engineer and EPA water researcher. “With this recent PFAS issue, it’s one more reason to be certain that you shouldn’t drink the water in Commerce City,” she said. “Resources going towards addressing this are in some ways coming at a cost” of other needs, like removing dangerous lead pipes and replacing aged water mains, he said.