Read the full article by Nái Rhoden (Spectrum News 1)
“ALBANY, N.Y. — New York lawmakers are pushing to tighten the state’s drinking water standards for several so-called ‘forever chemicals,’ as the Trump administration moves to change parts of federal PFAS regulations.
Legislation that passed both chambers of the state Legislature would lower New York’s maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS from 10 parts per trillion to no higher than 4 parts per trillion.
The measure would also establish limits of no higher than 10 parts per trillion for three additional PFAS chemicals: PFNA, PFHxS and HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of chemicals that can persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body. Research has linked exposure to certain PFAS with health effects including higher cholesterol, liver changes, pregnancy complications and some cancers.
Rob Hayes, senior director of clean water for Environmental Advocates NY, said lowering New York’s limits could affect communities whose drinking water meets the state’s current standard but contains PFOA or PFOS at levels above the lower federal limit.”…