Proposed federal PFAS limits signal growing concern over health risks of “forever chemicals”
Federal PFAS limits are far lower, more expansive than current Wisconsin standards
Today the Environmental Protection Agency issued its first ever proposed limits for PFAS (per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances) under the Safe Drinking Water Act—limits that are far below those enacted by the State of Wisconsin late last summer.
The proposed drinking water standards include two of the most well-studied and concerning types of PFAS, which is a class of thousands of chemical compounds. The two chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, have been largely phased out of production and use in the United States, but they are showing up in lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater and drinking water across Wisconsin, frequently at alarming concentrations.
“PFAS are some of the most persistent chemicals in existence. They are incredibly difficult to break down. That’s why they’ve earned the nickname ‘forever chemicals,’ says Clean Wisconsin Staff Scientist Paul Mathewson. “So it’s no surprise we’re seeing PFOA and PFOS, two chemicals first manufactured in the 1940s, contaminating Wisconsin waterways today. PFAS accumulate in the environment and in our bodies when we are exposed to them primarily through contaminated water, food, or dust.”
The proposed Federal drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS are 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for each compound, far lower than Wisconsin’s own standard of 70 ppt combined, which took effect last August. Laeser says it was clear when those standards were passed that tougher limits would be on the way from the EPA.
In its February 2022 meeting, the Natural Resources Board (NRB) also voted down PFAS limits for groundwater that had been recommended by Department of Natural Resources staff. Those limits would have offered some protection for the 1/3 of Wisconsin families who get their drinking water from private wells, which are not covered under the Safe Drinking Water Act. In December 2022, the NRB voted to start the process of setting groundwater standards for PFAS again.
The EPA’s proposed regulations also include four additional compounds left out of Wisconsin’s standards: PFHxS, GenX Chemicals, PFNA, and PFBS. To prevent health risks from mixtures of certain PFAS in drinking water, EPA is proposing that water utilities use a Hazard Index approach to regulate PFHxS, GenX Chemicals, PFNA, and PFBS.
While federal PFAS limits will ultimately replace those enacted at the state-level, Laeser says it’s important to understand that the standards released by the EPA today are not final. And while the EPA hopes to wrap up this process quickly, he says the risk of delays caused by polluters intent on avoiding responsibility for PFAS contamination is real.
Clean Wisconsin is also calling for water standards addressing more types of PFAS and action to address grease-resistant food packaging that contains the chemicals.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the PFAS Problem
- PFAS in Foam Far Worse Than Water in Wisconsin’s Rivers, Lakes - Danielle Kaeding - Jul 10th, 2024
- Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds - Erik Gunn - Jun 6th, 2024
- Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes - Baylor Spears - May 15th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Sues Republican Legislators for Continued Obstruction of Investments Intended to Address Pressing Challenges Facing Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 13th, 2024
- Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds - Erik Gunn - May 8th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Again Calls Republican Lawmakers into Special Meeting to Urge Immediate Release of $140 Million to Fight PFAS Statewide, Respond to Hospital Closures in Western Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 6th, 2024
- The State of Politics: Voters Worried About PFAS in Water - Steven Walters - Apr 22nd, 2024
- EPA Slaps Two PFAS Chemicals With Superfund Law Designation - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 19th, 2024
- DNR Responds To EPA’s Designation Of PFOA And PFOS As Hazardous Substances - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Apr 19th, 2024
- Evers Won’t Rule Out Court Challenge to Force Release of PFAS Funds - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 16th, 2024
Read more about PFAS Problem here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Clean Wisconsin
New EPA Power Plant Rules Will Save Lives in Wisconsin
Apr 25th, 2024 by Clean WisconsinNew standards will slash carbon, coal ash, mercury, contaminated wastewater and other toxic pollution from power plants.
PFAS Bill Puts Burden of PFAS Cleanup on Wisconsin Taxpayers
Feb 26th, 2024 by Clean WisconsinClean Wisconsin urges Gov. Evers to veto SB 312
Victory for Clean Water Protections in Wisconsin!
Jan 30th, 2024 by Clean WisconsinCourt Rejects CAFO Lobby’s Attempt to Eliminate Oversight of Wisconsin’s Largest Livestock Operations