News Update
EPA launches cross-agency effort to address PFAS
Staff report
Enviro-Net
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a cross-agency effort to address per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS, which includes PFOA, PFOS and GenX, are a diverse group of compounds resistant to heat, water and oil that are persistent in the environment and resist degradation.
As part of its effort, EPA will:
• Identify a set of near-term actions EPA will take to help support local communities.
• Enhance coordination with states, tribes and federal partners to provide communities with critical information and tools to address PFAS.
• Increase ongoing research efforts to identify new methods for measuring PFAS and filling data gaps.
• Expand proactive communications efforts with states, tribes, partners and the American public about PFAS and their health effects.
EPA's efforts will build on the work the agency has done to establish non-regulatory drinking water health advisories for PFOA and PFOS. Its water and research offices will lead these efforts and will bring together expertise from across the agency, including top scientists from EPA’s air, chemicals, land, research and water offices.
In addition to a cross-program effort, EPA is also tapping its regional offices to enhance cooperation with partners at the state and local levels, to provide on-the-ground knowledge about specific issues and address PFAS nationwide.