For the First Time, EPA Sets Limits on PFAS in Drinking Water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken its stance against PFAS further with new drinking water standards limiting exposure to six forever chemicals.
This marks the first time that drinking water standards have been finalized for a new chemical under the Safe Drinking Water Act since it was updated nearly 30 years ago in 1996.
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Granted, it only covers 0.05 percent of known PFAS chemicals—of which there are more than 12,000—but the restricted six have had animal and human studies, thus giving the EPA “confidence” in making estimations regarding what are safe levels of consumption, a former EPA official told NPR.
The agency estimated that it will cost $1.5 billion annually for water companies to comply with the new regulation—a cost that will continue to incur until PFAS no longer show up in the drinking water. All public water systems have three years to complete their initial monitoring. But the implementation will, per the EPA, prevent PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people.
“Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long,” EPA administrator Michael S. Regan said in a statement. “That is why President Biden has made tackling PFAS a top priority, investing historic resources to address these harmful chemicals and protect communities nationwide. Our PFAS Strategic Roadmap marshals the full breadth of EPA’s authority and resources to protect people from these harmful forever chemicals.”
While the Biden administration has the right idea, the textile industry has been crusading against said forever chemicals for quite some time.
Four states—California, Maine, Massachusetts and Minnesota—have legislation banning the sale or distribution of carpets, rugs, fabric treatments, upholstered furniture and textiles using PFAS. California is also phasing out the forever chemicals from any new (not previously owned) apparel, handbags, footwear, upholstery, curtains, towels and bedding by 2025. Next year, New York’s ban on PFAS in carpeting sold in the state will take effect. Vermont has followed suit and is currently considered a law that “mirrors” those measures.
Retailers and brands are also fighting for regulation and aligning with state-level efforts. Patagonia, REI and Levi’s are among the leading brands actively phasing out PFAS. Last summer, Canada Goose committed to ditching forever chemicals, starting with its core “Arctic Tech” material, while American Eagle confirmed plans to eliminate all PFAS in use by 2024.
Earlier this year, Oeko-Tex instituted a new limit value for total fluorine, replacing the outdated limit value for extractable organic fluorine. The Swiss chemical management company said the decision was made based on its interest in enforcing “a more effective ban on the use of PFAS.”
