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EPA Announces New Restrictions on PFAS in Drinking Water

Written by Liz Gurkin | May 14, 2024



 
The Environmental Protection Agency announced that two of the most common PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, will now be required to be strictly monitored by municipal authorities. PFAS, the “forever chemicals,” are quickly becoming the next big health issue facing our nation. Named due to their lifespan and accumulation in the body, these chemicals can cause a range of health concerns, from liver issues and birth defects to cancer.

PFAS Sample Preparation: The Definitive Guide

This story was first announced by the Associated Press on April 10th, however the EPA released an additional statement finalizing the new rules on April 19th. This restriction is the first of its kind, and a big step towards cleaner drinking water across the country. With growing concerns about the health and environmental impact of PFAS, the new policy signals a significant step forward on this issue.

Under the new policy, the EPA will take decisive action to regulate PFAS compounds, setting stringent limits on their presence in drinking water and prioritizing cleanup efforts in contaminated communities. These chemicals, found in nonstick pans, firefighting foam, and waterproof materials, will now be monitored to the smallest measurable amount, four parts per trillion. A key element of this approach is the designation of PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law. This designation enables the EPA to expedite cleanup efforts and hold polluters such as 3M accountable for the contamination they have caused.

The administration has also made a commitment to invest in research and development to better understand the health impacts of PFAS exposure and to develop innovative solutions for PFAS remediation. Despite a predicted cost of 1.5 billion to implement, these measures are expected to prevent over 10,000 deaths annually. Currently over 16% of municipal utilities are over the new limits. Water providers will have three years to test and two more years to install systems to address this pollution.

In addition to regulatory measures, the administration is also taking steps to support affected communities by providing funding for water infrastructure updates, healthcare services, and environmental justice initiatives aimed at addressing the inequities associated with environmental pollution. This proactive stance of PFAS regulation is reflective of a growing recognition of the urgent need to address chemical contamination and protect both public health and the environment. A link to apply for the funding can be found here.

With the increase in research this funding will bring, more and more laboratories will need equipment that is designed specifically for PFAS testing. This includes LC-MS systems and related sample preparation equipment, like the kind found at the Waters Corporation. Organomation is proud that their scientists trust our line of fluorocarbon-free evaporators to not introduce contamination into the samples while validating their LC-MS systems at their applications lab. If you’re interested in learning more about PFAS contamination, the full EPA statement can be found here. If you’d like to learn more about upgrading your equipment or purchasing a new Teflon-free N-EVAP, please contact one of our sales representatives at sales@organomation.com or start a live chat for more information.