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.
UN refugee agency tells Cyprus to stick to the law in its efforts at sea to thwart refugee boats
VOX POPULI: Unlike Taylor Swift, few stars in Japan speak out about politics
Coronavirus China update: China's funeral homes overcrowded amid COVID
US China updates: Beijing sanctions Lockheed Martin, Raytheon for Taiwan sales
Man United overhaul under Ratcliffe extends to new technical director
Clarifications and corrections
MPs pay not a decision for politicians
Italian court drops charges against migrant rescue ship crews and ends long
Cheng Lei China: Jailed Australian TV anchor jailed releases rare message
Karlie Kloss exudes confidence in a bold red midaxi dress as she attends star
VOX POPULI: Nikkei index soars but real economy still feels sluggish