EPA's new PFAS definition concerns many experts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that it has a new way of defining PFAS.
This is the second time that the environmental executive agency adjusted its PFAS definition since 2021.
However, critics shared their concerns as this change could exclude forever chemicals-thousands of them-from regulation.
EPA's New PFAS Definition Could Exclude Forever Chemicals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) logo is displayed on a door at its headquarters on March 16, 2017, in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed budget for 2018 seeks to cut the EPA's budget by 31 percent from $8.1 billion to $5.7 billion.
According to The Guardian's latest report, EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention Toxics considers taking a "case-by-case" method that will lead to more flexibility when it comes to identifying chemicals that should be regulated.
This is different from using a clear definition of what constitutes a PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).
EPA's current and former officials said that the agency appears to be excluding some chemicals from PFAS, especially those in pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
Because of this, they believe that the sudden PFAS definition shift could lead to confusion in the chemical industry, as well as within EPA.
"This is not a new definition - it is a lack of definition, and it makes no sense," said Linda Birnbaum, an ex-EPA scientist.
Public health advocates warned that all PFAS are persistent in the environment and need to be widely restricted by the government.
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Dangers of PFAS
In this photo illustration, water flows from a tap on July 06, 2023, in San Anselmo, California. According to a study by the US Geological Survey, nearly half of the tap water in the United States is contaminated with "forever chemicals" that are considered dangerous to human health.
The European Environment Agency explained that PFAS are man-made chemicals that are accumulated over time in the environment.
It consists of over 15,000 compounds that are used for water-, grease-, and stain-resistant products.
PFAS chemicals are also called "forever chemicals" because they can last in the environment and bodies for long periods.
Health experts warned that these forever chemicals can lead to serious health complications, such as obesity, fertility issues, cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, etc.
If EPA's new PFAS definition continues to exclude more toxic, persistent chemicals, there's a chance that industry companies will further use them in their products.
Employees criticize the latest definition shift for PFAS, saying that EPA can't get its act together on what chemicals should be included.
They added that if EPA really wants to regulate PFAS, then the agency needs to start agreeing on what chemicals are included in this class.
You can click this link to learn more about the latest EPA PFAS definition issue.
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