The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently designated perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This designation is a significant step in addressing the risks posed by these chemicals to human health and the environment.
Why Are PFOA and PFOS a Concern?
PFOA and PFOS are man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. They are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time.
Exposure to PFOA and PFOS has been linked to a variety of adverse health effects, including developmental and reproductive problems, liver damage, thyroid disease, and certain types of cancer. These chemicals can also bioaccumulate in animals, posing a risk to wildlife.
The EPA’s Designation
The EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances will require polluters to take steps to clean up contaminated sites and will make it easier for states and tribes to enforce environmental laws against companies that have released these chemicals into the environment.
The designation will also trigger a number of other important actions, including:
* Requiring polluters to notify the EPA of releases of PFOA and PFOS
* Establishing cleanup standards for contaminated sites
* Providing funding for cleanup activities
A Cautionary Note
While the EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS is an important step, it is important to remember that these chemicals are still present in many products and can continue to pose a risk to human health and the environment.
Consumers should be aware of the potential risks of exposure to PFOA and PFOS and should take steps to reduce their exposure. This includes avoiding products that contain these chemicals and using alternatives whenever possible.
Conclusion
The EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances is a significant step forward in protecting public health and the environment from these dangerous chemicals. However, it is important to remember that more work is needed to address the legacy of these chemicals in our communities.
Consumers should be vigilant in avoiding exposure to PFOA and PFOS, and companies should be held accountable for cleaning up contaminated sites and preventing future releases of these chemicals.
Kind regards
Dr. R. Hamilton
