What You Need To Know About PFAS "Forever Chemicals"

Christina Liu @ Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 12:02 pm -0400

PFAS "Forever Chemicals" are a category of widely used compounds, particularly prevalent in contaminating drinking water sources. PFAS can take hundreds of years to degrade in the environment which is why they are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals" and can cause a plethora of illnesses including cancer.

PFAS Water Filters for New Jersey

Analies Dyjak @ Monday, October 25, 2021 at 12:03 pm -0400

The State of New Jersey is one of a handful of states which have implemented testing requirements and water quality standards for 3 PFAS variations: PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA. PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a federally unregulated contaminant known to cause adverse health effects, including cancer. These new requirements have forced municipalities to take a closer look at the safety of their drinking water. This article will address what PFAS compounds are, the "safe" levels in New Jersey drinking water, and water filtration brands that actually remove them.

EPA Announces National Strategy to Confront PFAS Pollution

Sign for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C.

Analies Dyjak @ Monday, October 18, 2021 at 1:51 pm -0400

Analies Dyjak, M.A. | Head of Policy and Perspectives

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Monday, October 18, that the agency will prioritize a comprehensive national strategy to confront PFAS pollution. The Biden-Harris administration campaigned on setting limits in tap water for PFAS and ensuring other actionable protection measures for public health. The PFAS “roadmap” also includes a summary of recent proposals and recommendations from EPA and Congress.

What Does EPA's PFAS Roadmap Contain?

The roadmap consists of plans for both rulemaking and monitoring guidelines, but does not have any enforceable criteria. This EPA publication is simply a strategic plan for implementation, not a final rule. The seven actions are as follows:

Timeline for nationwide enforceable drinking water limits for PFAS in tap water under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Designating PFAS as a “hazardous substance” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. This designation will help hold polluters financially responsible for contaminating source water.
A timeline for Effluent Guideline Limitations for nine different industrial categories.
An assessment of shortcomings of the Toxic Substances Control Act and its ability to protect public health.
An increase in monitoring, data collection, and research.
A final toxicity assessment for GenX.
Technical foundation for PFAS air emissions under the Clean Air Act.

Too Little Too Late?

Hydroviv has been covering PFAS in drinking water since our company began in 2016. Since then, virtually no action has been taken by the EPA or Congress regarding this category of chemicals that is known to cause cancer. The press release for this latest roadmap even stated that the EPA has known about the toxic nature of PFAS chemicals for over 20 years. The impacts of PFAS have now extended across multiple generations, when in all likelihood, this could have been avoided.

Other Articles We Think You Might Enjoy:
What Are PFAS or 'Forever Chemicals'?
Is PFAS Exposure Toxic To The Immune System?
Does My Home State Regulate PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water?

What You Need To Know About PFAS Chemicals in Rainwater:

Analies Dyjak @ Monday, July 26, 2021 at 6:06 pm -0400

Researchers across the country have begun studying the presence of PFAS chemicals in rainwater. This phenomenon comes at a time when Congress and health officials are making important decisions about this toxic contaminant. PFAS or ‘forever chemicals’ are now believed to be present in all major U.S. water supplies. Our team discusses everything you need to know about the most recent research and what PFAS in rainwater means for you.

PFAS Water Filters for New York State

New York State capital building in Albany, New York

Analies Dyjak @ Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 5:59 pm -0400

The State of New York recently implemented testing requirements and water quality standards for 2 PFAS variations: PFOA and PFOS. PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a federally unregulated contaminant known to cause adverse health effects, including cancer. These new requirements have forced municipalities to take a closer look at the safety of their drinking water. This article will address what PFAS compounds are, the "safe" levels in New York State drinking water, and water filtration brands that actually remove them.