Minnesota officials plug fight against ‘forever chemicals’
1 year, 9 months ago

Minnesota officials plug fight against ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota pollution and health officials made the case at the State Capitol on Thursday for legislation to restrict nonessential uses of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, and for the $45.6 million that Gov. “PFAS is an urgent public health and environmental issue facing Minnesota and the nation,” Katrina Kessler, commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, said at a briefing for reporters. They’ve been found in 42% of Minnesota’s community water systems, not including private wells, said Dan Huff, assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health. But Kirk Koudelka, assistant commissioner of the pollution control agency, said that’s just a “down payment” and that “hundreds of millions of dollars” will be needed later to build those facilities.

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History of this topic

More people are drinking toxic “forever chemicals” than ever, EPA report finds
1 month ago

More people are drinking toxic “forever chemicals” than ever, EPA report finds

Salon  

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency released newly-acquired data showing that over 143 million Americans are exposed to so-called “forever chemicals,” or PFAS. In the analysis, the EPA learned that 11 million more people are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water than was previously reported. In a paper cited by the EPA in their research, scientists publishing in the …

How the election could affect toxic chemical regulation
2 months ago

How the election could affect toxic chemical regulation

Salon  

On a chilly morning in early December 2017, attorney Anthony Spaniola awakened at his cabin on Van Etten Lake in Oscoda, Michigan, to the sight of billowy white froth bobbing along the shore. “You could end up going backwards in environmental protection.” Orme-Zavaleta and others point to Project 2025, an initiative spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, …

Australia to toughen rules on forever chemicals in tap water
2 months ago

Australia to toughen rules on forever chemicals in tap water

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia may soon tighten regulations on allowable levels of “forever chemicals” in drinking water, with …

Maine’s biggest water district sues over so-called forever chemicals
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Maine’s biggest water district sues over so-called forever chemicals

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Maine — The biggest water district in Maine is suing manufacturers of so-called forever chemicals in the hopes of recouping costs of monitoring and treating polluted wastewater. The Portland Water District lawsuit comes as the cost of the disposal of PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge has doubled from $1.6 million to $3.2 million over the last three years, and Portland has …

What you need to know about toxic 'forever chemicals' the EPA is restricting
8 months ago

What you need to know about toxic 'forever chemicals' the EPA is restricting

Raw Story  

"What you need to know about toxic “forever chemicals” the EPA is restricting" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Nearly 50 public water systems across Texas have reported exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first-ever limits on …

Is It Too Late to Do Something About Dangerous “Forever Chemicals”?
8 months ago

Is It Too Late to Do Something About Dangerous “Forever Chemicals”?

Slate  

For Esme Deprez, it started with waterproof mascara. “Researchers have found PFAS everywhere they’ve thought to look: the umbilical cords of newborns in Taiwan, the breastmilk of moms in Sweden, polar bears, even air and rainwater worldwide,” Deprez said. That’s why, last week, the Biden administration took what seemed like a big step toward eliminating the forever chemical threat by …

Wisconsin Republicans ignore governor’s call to spend $125M to combat ‘forever chemicals’
8 months, 1 week ago

Wisconsin Republicans ignore governor’s call to spend $125M to combat ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans on Tuesday ignored the latest call from Democratic Gov. But Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee did not show up, with the GOP co-chairs calling Evers’ move “blatant political game-playing.” Although no Republicans came, Evers made a previously unannounced appearance in the Capitol hearing room and joined three Democratic lawmakers in blasting the GOP inaction. …

Why is the EPA regulating PFAS and what are these ‘forever chemicals’?
8 months, 1 week ago

Why is the EPA regulating PFAS and what are these ‘forever chemicals’?

Associated Press  

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized limits on certain common types of PFAS chemicals in drinking water. PFAS accumulates in the body, which is why EPA set their limits for drinking water at 4 parts per trillion for two common types — PFOA and PFOS — that are phased out of manufacturing but still are present in the environment. …

Biden administration sets first-ever limits on ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Biden administration sets first-ever limits on ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Associated Press  

The Biden administration on Wednesday finalized strict limits on certain so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water that will require utilities to reduce them to the lowest level they can be reliably measured. “Even tiny, tiny, tiny amounts each time you take a drink of water over your lifetime is going to keep adding up, leading to the health effects.” PFAS …

Federal EPA limits toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Federal EPA limits toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

LA Times  

The Environmental Protection Agency early Wednesday issued federal limits on dangerous “forever chemicals” in drinking water, which it believes will save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses including cancer. The new rules require that water systems monitor for six toxic chemicals known as PFAS. David Andrews, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, said that although water systems must …

Evers administration allocates $402 million to combat PFAS, other water contaminants
1 year, 2 months ago

Evers administration allocates $402 million to combat PFAS, other water contaminants

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers is allocating more than $402 million to address polluted drinking water in Wisconsin, his office announced Monday. The money will be available to 106 Wisconsin municipalities to help them build water infrastructure projects, replace lead service lines and address emerging contaminants such as PFAS. The money comes from a combination of the state Department …

Risk of tap water exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals higher in Southern California
1 year, 5 months ago

Risk of tap water exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals higher in Southern California

LA Times  

Nearly 50% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have at least one type of PFAS, a group of harmful “forever chemicals.” Tap water in urban areas of Southern and Central California appears more likely to be contaminated by PFAS “forever chemicals” than drinking water in many other regions of the nation, although rural Californians are far less likely …

'Forever chemicals' could be in nearly half of U.S. tap water, a federal study finds
1 year, 5 months ago

'Forever chemicals' could be in nearly half of U.S. tap water, a federal study finds

NPR  

'Forever chemicals' could be in nearly half of U.S. tap water, a federal study finds Enlarge this image toggle caption Rogelio V. Solis/AP Rogelio V. Solis/AP At least 45% of the nation's tap water could be contaminated with at least one form of PFAS known as "forever chemicals," according to a newly released study by the U.S. Geological Survey. "This …

Republican lawmakers propose plan to combat PFAS pollution in Wisconsin
1 year, 6 months ago

Republican lawmakers propose plan to combat PFAS pollution in Wisconsin

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Republican legislators have proposed a sweeping new plan to address PFAS pollution that would create grants for local governments, limit regulators’ ability to delay projects on polluted property and mandate studies on how to treat contaminated water. “The bill is a strong starting point,” Rep. Jeff Mursau, the bill’s chief Assembly sponsor, said Monday during a public …

Wisconsin Republicans vote to spend $125 million to combat PFAS pollution, but not right away
1 year, 7 months ago

Wisconsin Republicans vote to spend $125 million to combat PFAS pollution, but not right away

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans voted Thursday to put $125 million aside to combat pollution from so-called forever chemicals, but delayed a decision on how exactly to spend the money. Allocating money to fight PFAS, while eliminating testing for it and new positions to work on the pollution, doesn’t “make a bit of damn sense,” Democratic Sen. LaTonya Johnson of …

EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
1 year, 9 months ago

EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed the first federal limits on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, a long-awaited protection the agency said will save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses, including cancer. “The science is clear that long-term exposure to PFAS is linked to significant health risks,” Radhika Fox, assistant EPA administrator for water, said …

EPA proposes first-ever limits on PFAS in drinking water
1 year, 9 months ago

EPA proposes first-ever limits on PFAS in drinking water

Salon  

The Environmental Protection Agency released long-awaited proposed standards for cancer-causing "forever chemicals" in drinking water on Tuesday. This marks the first time the EPA has proposed enforceable drinking water limits for PFAS, which are commonly known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down over time and can remain in the environment for years on end. The proposed limits …

EPA moves to limit toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
1 year, 9 months ago

EPA moves to limit toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

NPR  

EPA moves to limit toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water Enlarge this image toggle caption Travis Long/AP Travis Long/AP The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed limiting the amount of harmful "forever chemicals" in drinking water to the lowest level that tests can detect, a long-awaited protection the agency said will save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses, including …

EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
1 year, 9 months ago

EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

LA Times  

The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed the first federal limits on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, a long-awaited protection the agency said would save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses, including cancer. “The science is clear that long-term exposure to PFAS is linked to significant health risks,” Radhika Fox, assistant EPA administrator for water, said in an …

‘Forever chemicals’ are everywhere. The battle over who pays to clean them up is just getting started.
2 years, 3 months ago

‘Forever chemicals’ are everywhere. The battle over who pays to clean them up is just getting started.

Politico  

Early estimates of the cost of removing PFAS from drinking water nationwide are about $400 billion — dwarfing the cost of settlements and cleanup costs from environmental contamination like asbestos and lead pipes or other public health settlements tied to tobacco and opioids. “The manufacturers of PFAS are in effect creating a water affordability problem for the people of New …

EPA: ‘Forever chemicals’ pose risk even at very low levels
2 years, 6 months ago

EPA: ‘Forever chemicals’ pose risk even at very low levels

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency is warning that two nonstick and stain-resistant compounds found in drinking water are more dangerous than previously thought and pose health risks even at levels so low they cannot currently be detected. “That’s why EPA is taking aggressive action as part of a whole-of-government approach to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment and …

EPA: 'Forever chemicals' pose risk even at very low levels
2 years, 6 months ago

EPA: 'Forever chemicals' pose risk even at very low levels

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The EPA on Wednesday issued nonbinding health advisories that …

Wisconsin Republicans allow PFAS standards to take effect
2 years, 6 months ago

Wisconsin Republicans allow PFAS standards to take effect

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans will allow regulations Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ administration developed to control pollution from a group of chemicals known as PFAS to take effect, a spokesman for the lawmaker who controls the Legislature’s rules committee said Monday. “While we are glad to see these rules move forward, we are mindful that Wisconsinites whose water comes from …

Massachusetts sues companies over use of ‘forever chemicals’
2 years, 6 months ago

Massachusetts sues companies over use of ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts has sued more than a dozen companies involved in the manufacture or marketing of so-called forever chemicals, alleging they knowingly polluted the environment and endangered public health, state Attorney General Maura Healey said Wednesday. The companies have known about the dangers of PFAS chemicals — found in firefighting foam and consumer products — for years and violated …

Board adopts PFAS standards for drinking, surface waters
2 years, 10 months ago

Board adopts PFAS standards for drinking, surface waters

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Department of Natural Resources policy board adopted Wisconsin’s first limits on so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking and surface water Wednesday, handing Democratic Gov. Evers has been pushing to curtail PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pollution since he took office in 2019, going so far as to declare his first year in office “the year of …

Dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate US tap water: Report
3 years, 1 month ago

Dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate US tap water: Report

Al Jazeera  

Water consumed by millions contains chemicals linked to cancer, brain damage and more, according to new report. Decaying infrastructure and pollution from toxic “forever chemicals” are causing tens of millions of United States residents to drink contaminated water, increasing the risk of cancer and other ailments, according to a new report. “It’s striking and frustrating how little is being done …

EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’
3 years, 2 months ago

EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration said Monday it is launching a broad strategy to regulate toxic industrial compounds associated with serious health conditions that are used in products ranging from cookware to carpets and firefighting foams. “No one should have to worry about toxic forever chemicals in their tap water,” said Scott Faber, the group’s senior vice president. The group …

EPA Unveils Strategy To Regulate Toxic 'Forever Chemicals'
3 years, 2 months ago

EPA Unveils Strategy To Regulate Toxic 'Forever Chemicals'

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is launching a broad strategy to regulate toxic industrial compounds associated with serious health conditions that are used in products ranging from cookware to carpets and firefighting foams. Michael Regan, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, said it is taking a series of actions to limit pollution from a cluster of …

EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’
3 years, 2 months ago

EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’

LA Times  

The Biden administration is launching a broad strategy to regulate toxic industrial compounds associated with serious health conditions that are used in products ranging from cookware to carpets and firefighting foams. The state proposed the nation’s toughest limits on PFAS in drinking water earlier this summer, recommending a standard of.007 part per trillion for PFOA, and 1 part per trillion …

‘Forever chemicals’ found in groundwater near military bases
3 years, 3 months ago

‘Forever chemicals’ found in groundwater near military bases

Associated Press  

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — High levels of toxic, widely used “forever chemicals” contaminate groundwater around at least six military sites in the Great Lakes region, according to U.S. Department of Defense records that an environmental group released Tuesday. The Environmental Working Group said PFAS, an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have oozed into the Great Lakes and pose a …

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