EPA Proposes Expanding Public Access to PFAS Contamination Data
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The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing greater public access to data on over 100 toxic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also called “forever chemicals.”
The information will be added to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), aiming to increase transparency and public awareness. It will also address growing concerns about the environmental and health issues linked to these dangerous man-made chemicals.
The proposal is to add 16 individual PFAS substances and 15 PFAS categories that represent over 100 individual PFAS to the list. They will be designated as “chemicals of special concern,” requiring more stringent reporting from companies using them, even in small quantities.
“With this rule, EPA would be able to collect data on how more than a hundred PFAS are released into the environment through Toxics Release Inventory reporting requirements,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff in a statement.
“This information will help EPA and communities better understand how PFAS are being used and managed across the country.”
The specific PFAS being proposed for TRI inclusion were determined by the EPA’s assessment of their impact on human health, the environment or both. Data shows that the PFAS being discussed for the TRI are linked to cancer, liver and kidney damage and harm to reproductive and developmental systems.
PFAS include roughly 5,000 different chemicals and are found in drinking water, food and consumer goods.
Impact on Industrial America
The proposal will have significant implications for industries that use PFAS. Companies will face stricter regulatory requirements, including mandatory monitoring and reporting of PFAS emissions. While this could lead to increased compliance costs, it may also drive innovation as industries look for safer alternatives.
The TRI was created to track the waste management of toxic chemicals and support efforts to prevent pollution and safeguard public health. Facilities must report annually to the EPA on the disposal method of these chemicals and the quantity released into the environment. They must also report on practices used to prevent or reduce the generation of these chemicals as waste. The EPA makes this data publicly available to inform decision-making and support pollution prevention efforts.
Public Participation and Health Benefits
By expanding the TRI list, the EPA aims to give communities better access to information on PFAS in their communities. This transparency is important for public health and allows people to make informed decisions and advocate for cleaner, safer environments. The collected data will also help researchers and policymakers develop strategies to combat PFAS contamination.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals widely used in many industries for their water and grease-resistant properties. They earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because of their ability to remain in the environment and the human body for long periods without breaking down. PFAS exposure has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage and immune system suppression.
The EPA encourages public participation in the proposal process, inviting comments and feedback from stakeholders. This includes affected communities, industry representatives and environmental groups. Public comment will be open until December 9.
Editor Lindsay Donaldson contributed to this article.
