Read the full article by Zahra Ahmad (Earthjustice)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would start the process to regulate toxic PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) found in plastic containers. This decision follows a petition filed by a coalition of environmental and health advocates, urging the EPA to address the severe risks these chemicals pose to consumers, workers, and the environment.
The coalition, represented by Earthjustice, and alongside two other organizations, filed a petition under Section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), seeking regulation of three PFAS — PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA — created during the fluorination process used to enhance the barrier properties of plastic containers. The petition highlighted the dangers of PFAS leaching from fluorinated plastic containers into household products.
‘Today marks another important step to protecting public health from harmful PFAS,’ said Earthjustice Attorney Kelly Lester. ‘EPA has recognized the unreasonable risks posed by PFAS produced during plastic fluorination, and its commitment to pursue needed regulation of these toxic substances is a step forward. EPA must now act swiftly to regulate these PFAS and protect communities from the devastating health harms associated with PFAS exposure.'”…