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.
Emma Roberts keeps it casual in a hoodie and Dragon Ball Z t
Xi Extends Condolences to Nepali President over Strong Quake
In pics: women wearing Burang clothes in Tibet
Xiplomacy: Science, Technology Cooperation Helps China, LatAm Build Better Future for Mankind
Taylor Swift teases Fortnight's black
Nuclear power plant operator sanguine on renewable energy
Landlocked Xinjiang cashes in on aquatic products
Shanghai to Athens airline route set to launch in April
Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid
Coal production in China reach historic highs last year
American Express profits jump 34%, helped by jump in new customers, higher spending
Enlighten Festival held in Canberra, Australia