WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday designated two forever chemicals that have been used in cookware, carpets and firefighting foams as hazardous substances, an action intended to ensure quicker cleanup of the toxic compounds and require industries and others responsible for contamination to pay for its removal.
Designation as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law doesn’t ban the chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS. But it requires that releases of the chemicals into soil or water be reported to federal, state or tribal officials if they meet or exceed certain levels. The EPA then may require cleanups to protect public health and recover costs that can reach tens of millions of dollars.
PFOA and PFOS have been voluntarily phased out by U.S. manufacturers but are still in limited use and remain in the environment because they do not degrade over time. The compounds are part of a larger cluster of forever chemicals known as PFAS that have been used since the 1940s in industry and consumer products including nonstick frying pans, water-repellent sports gear, stain-resistant rugs and cosmetics.
Would you like a cicada salad? The monstrous little noisemakers descend on a New Orleans menu
7th China Medical Women's Congress Held in Beijing
ACWF Holds Conference to Study, Implement Spirit of 20th CPC National Congress
ACWF Honors Role Model Families and Outstanding Groups, Individuals in Family Work
The Walking Dead star Tom Payne 'unexpectedly' welcomes TWINS with model wife Jennifer Akerman
ACWF Holds Meeting to Study CPC Plenum Guiding Principles
China Making Great Strides in Women's Cause
ACWF Calls on Women to Follow Party's Leadership, Embark on New Journey
Texas spring signals time for Ewers to slow down and enjoy football in 2024 before NFL draft
Huang Addresses via Video 13th Straits Forum, Women's Forum Held in Fuzhou, Taichung
Ed Westwick puts on a dapper display as he steps out with stunning fiancée Amy Jackson for star
China to Launch Law Popularization Campaign Aimed at Rural Women