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.
Mariah Carey turns heads in a dramatic gold floor
China's Lu wins women's windsurfer RS:X at Tokyo Olympics
Cycling star Evenepoel targets June return from crash ahead of Tour de France and Paris Olympics
Understanding what an open China means to the world through "thinner" suitcases
Commentary: China's COVID policy optimization to propel global economic growth
BP defeated thousands of suits by sick Gulf spill cleanup workers. But not one by a boat captain
G7 a hegemonic clique undermining international order, trampling on equity, justice
Meghan Markle models 'love like a mother' t
Tsitsipas beats Sinner to reach Monte Carlo Masters final, will face Djokovic or Ruud