EPA's Evolving Stance on PFAS Chemicals

8min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

The chapter delves into the changing perspective of the EPA on the dangers of PFAS chemicals, from underestimating the risks to recognizing health hazards. It discusses the new EPA rule limiting PFAS in tap water, the estimated costs for water companies, and the significant health benefits for millions of people. The chapter also emphasizes the need for broader regulations to tackle PFAS exposure beyond water sources.

Wednesday the Environmental Protection Agency announced new drinking water standards to limit people's exposure to some PFAS chemicals. For decades, PFAS have been used to waterproof and stain-proof a variety of consumer products. These "forever chemicals" in a host of products — everything from raincoats and the Teflon of nonstick pans to makeup to furniture and firefighting foam. Because PFAS take a very long time to break down, they can accumulate in humans and the environment. Now, a growing body of research is linking them to human health problems like serious illness, some cancers, lower fertility and liver damage. Science correspondent Pien Huang joins the show today to talk through this new EPA rule — what the threshold for safe levels of PFAS in tap water is, why the rule is happening now and how the federal standards will be implemented.

Read more of Pien's reporting on the EPA's first ever rule on PFAS in drinking water.

Want to hear more about health and human safety? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we might cover your question on a future episode!

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy