Tag: PFAS

molecule

Pesky PFAS Insert Themselves into Timely Topics

Two big news stories that you have no doubt been following lately are the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and the presidential transition. However, what is a little less widely known is that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the so-called “forever chemicals” that have become a concern for environmental regulators as well as environment, health, […]

Drinking water

More Steps to Be Taken Against PFAS in Drinking Water

The EPA continues to make addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment a top priority. In its latest announcement, the Agency revealed two new steps in its aggressive battle to mitigate PFAS in drinking water.

incinerator

EPA Plans to Study Incineration of PFAS Waste

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also known as forever chemicals due to their near-indestructible nature. They were used in everything from firefighting foam to nonstick cookware and food packaging to furniture.

Drinking water

The Latest on PFAS and Drinking Water

As we move into the last month of the summer, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water are a hot topic for many states and the EPA.

EPA Issues Rule Moving Forward with PFAS Protections

The EPA issued a final rule in its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan on June 22, 2020. This means that certain products that could contain harmful PFAS cannot be imported, produced, sold, or manufactured in the United States without EPA approval or the Agency imposing certain restrictions that would address unacceptable risks. Examples […]

Chemical chain

The Persistence of PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’ Coming Under Regulatory Scrutiny

Environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals and their organizations should be following the ongoing conversation surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We continue to learn more about this large family of chemicals and their impact on both human health and the environment—and PFAS are increasingly coming under more expansive regulatory scrutiny.

Sewage treatment plant

Two Big Water Bills Approved by Senate Committee

On May 6, 2020, the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) unanimously approved—by identical votes of 21–0—two bipartisan bills that, combined, would invest nearly $20 billion in wastewater infrastructure projects and community drinking water improvements.

Drinking water

EPA Announces Three Actions Regarding PFAS

On February 20 and 24, 2020, the EPA announced three developments under its action plan for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS Action Plan).

Molecule

PFAS Requirements and Research Included in Appropriations Act

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) includes sections to specifically fund research to improve the scientific understanding of the health risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and to use existing statutory authorities to require regulated sectors to add information to that understanding. Among the new and major legal provisions […]

Capitol building

Comprehensive PFAS Bill Passed by House of Representatives

By a vote of 247 to 159, the House passed the PFAS Action Act of 2019 (H.R. 535). The bill would amend five environmental statutes—the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Clean Air Act (CAA), and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)—by […]