New EPA Rule Tags Two "Forever Chemicals" As Toxic

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified two PFAS substances, commonly known as "forever chemicals," as hazardous substances under the US Superfund law, according to a report by Ehren Wynder for the United Press International (UPI).

The EPA rule designates perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances. I Photo: NORTH747 Wikimedia Commons

The rule designates perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances, empowering the EPA to investigate and clean up contaminations of these toxic chemicals, the agency announced.

Furthermore, the rule enables the EPA to hold polluters accountable for the cleanup, placing responsibility on companies that have utilized PFAS chemicals in their manufacturing processes, as well as federal and industrial entities.

This decision aligns with President Joe Biden's broader PFAS elimination strategy outlined in the agency's PFAS Strategic Roadmap.