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.
American Express profits jump 34%, helped by jump in new customers, higher spending
Oscars 2024: The Biggest Moments from the 96th Academy Awards
Meet the new 'dynamic duo'! Anne and Sophie pair up to share the royal burden
A job with Fred the Shred, selling milk to the Chinese
Ruud advances to Barcelona semis after beating Arnaldi in straight sets
Lucas Tindall has inherited distinct expression from father Mike as these photos show..
How Princess Diana's audacious bid for freedom 30 years ago became a heart
US military ship heading to Gaza to build port
Europe discards Arsenal and Liverpool shift focus to EPL title race
British POW who was tortured with electric shocks, beaten and starved by Putin's troops in five
France asks retailers to alert customers to cases of 'shrinkflation'
Mother, 24, outraged after learning shopping centre bathroom with baby changing facilities has CCTV