Read the full article by Brian Lawson (WHNT)
“HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new guidance on PFAS chemicals in drinking water, significantly lowering its lifetime health advisory from the levels announced in 2016.
The chemicals, made by companies like 3M in Decatur for decades, are used in a wide array of consumer products, like Teflon and water repellent clothing.
PFAS chemical contamination of the Tennessee River has been the subject of long-running litigation in North Alabama, a significant announcement by EPA.
These are considered recommendations, not regulations, so not enforceable by law. The EPA says that continued health studies suggest its prior guidance of 70 parts per trillion for PFAS chemicals is too high for lifetime exposure. It has been lowered to .02 parts per trillion, and .004 parts per trillion for PFAS chemicals.
The EPA has said it expects to propose formal regulations later in 2022 and new rules in 2023.
David Whiteside, a founder of Tennessee Riverkeeper, a group that sued 3M over PFAS contamination, said the new guidelines will affect cleanup efforts.” …