"Two of the most notorious “forever chemicals” are being targeted for regulation under federal Superfund law — a major move that will have sweeping implications for industry as well as affected communities across the country.
EPA today proposed designating two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law. That move would unlock a major tool for regulators seeking to recoup costs from polluters as they progress with cleanup efforts at contaminated sites.
“Communities have suffered far too long from exposure to these forever chemicals,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan in a statement. “Under this proposed rule, EPA will both help protect communities from PFAS pollution and seek to hold polluters accountable for their actions.”
The long-awaited proposal only targets two compounds, PFOA and PFOS, out of the larger family of chemicals, which includes thousands upon thousands. Both chemicals have been linked for years to a wide array of health impacts, including liver and kidney disease, reproductive issues and various cancers. Research on PFOA in particular has led the agency to deem it a likely carcinogen."
Advertisement 
