US issues strict restrictions on “forever chemicals” in drinking water

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has for the first time issued strict rules limiting six longlasting chemicals called PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water throughout the US. These so called “forever” chemicals are synthetic compounds that persist in the environment and have been linked to health problems.12The new regulation requires public water systems to monitor and reduce PFAS levels and to notify the public if levels exceed the new limits.The announcement is part of President Joe Biden’s plan to provide Americans with safe drinking water free of pollutants. The White House said that the president had launched a comprehensive plan to protect communities from these toxic chemicals, which are implicated in health problems including cancers, liver and heart damage, and developmental effects in children.1The chemicals are used in industry and in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain resistant furniture, and firefighting foam. They are…
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