pfas

Critics push PA to set enforceable drinking water levels to protect public health

The company cited what it called a “divisive local political climate.”

In Philadelphia, the survey found two of the most commonly researched PFAS chemicals at levels far below the EPA’s recommended limit.

PFAS chemicals are synthetic compounds used in many household products, including food packaging, household cleaners and nonstick cookware.

Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19) sponsored the bill, which requires some companies to report their usage of PFAS to the EPA.

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says the eight companies knew for decades that PFOA and PFOS used as a main component of firefighting foam would contaminate the environment.

"When a water system is contaminated with PFAS, treatment will lower the concentration but not completely remove it. So the contamination is still there."

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said it will sample more than 300 water systems starting in May in a program that is due to last a year.

The U.S. EPA said Thursday it will this year begin the process of setting maximum contaminant limits for PFOA and PFOS, two toxic chemicals that are linked to cancer and other illnesses and are widespread in drinking water and soil.