The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken several actions to protect consumers from the health risks posed by exposure to “forever chemicals” nationwide. Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will be addressed by a final rule that designates two widely used chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as hazardous substances under Superfund Legislation — the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

This rule will help ensure that polluters pay to clean up their contamination and is accompanied by the first national legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS. EPA recently finalized National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS, which will protect 100 million people from PFAS exposure, prevent tens of thousands of serious illnesses and save lives. The agency also issued a rule that prevents companies from starting or resuming the manufacture or processing of 329 PFAS; released three methods to better measure PFAS in the environment; and announced the addition of seven PFAS to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory.

Under these rules, entities are required to immediately report releases of PFOA and PFOS that meet or exceed the reportable quantity of 1 lb within a 24-hour period to the National Response Center, state, tribal and local emergency responders. The designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA enables the agency to use one of its strongest enforcement tools to compel polluters to pay for or conduct investigations and cleanup, rather than taxpayers. Designation is especially important as delays in addressing contamination allow PFOA and PFOS more time to migrate in water and soil.