EPA to address PFAS chemicals used in non-stick and stain-resistant products

WASHINGTON — In a letter sent to governors of 56 states and territories, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced plans Monday to host a National Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., to address concerns about Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), according to an EPA press release.

PFAS chemicals are man-made and have been widely used in a range of products because of their stain-resistant, waterproof and/or nonstick properties. They have been used in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water and oil.

“EPA’s leadership summit will bring together stakeholders from across the country to build on the steps we are already taking and to identify immediate actions to protect public health,” EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said. “Through this event, we are providing critical national leadership, while ensuring that our state, tribal and local partners have the opportunity to help shape our path forward.”

Used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s, the potential for health effects from PFAS in humans is not well understood.

Animal studies have found that animals exposed to PFAS at high levels resulted in changes in the function of the liver, thyroid, pancreas and hormone levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

“The states have been on the front lines of addressing PFAS issues, so ECOS is glad to see EPA recognize their urgency and engage the states early in its process,” Environmental Council of States Executive Director Sambhav Sankar said. “Many states cannot take action on PFAS issues until EPA makes a regulatory determination, and all states would like to see continued federal research and leadership in this area.”

Some scientific studies suggest that certain PFAS may affect different systems in the body. ATSDR is working with various partners to better understand how exposure to PFAS might affect people’s health, especially how exposure to PFAS in water and food may be harmful.

Although more research is needed, some studies in people have shown that certain PFAS may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children; lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant; interfere with the body’s natural hormones; increase cholesterol levels; affect the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer.

“It is critical that responding agencies at all levels are effectively communicating and coordinating efforts to protect the public’s health,” Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said. “We need a national effort to review the expanding scientific research on these contaminants, as well as possible responses and remediation. Having a national dialogue on this growing concern could be instrumental in establishing standards, protocols and best practices that will allow all state and federal partners to comprehensively address these contaminants across the country.”

The National Leadership Summit is scheduled for May 22-23 in Washington. During the summit, participants will work together to share information on ongoing efforts to characterize risks from PFAS and develop monitoring and treatment/cleanup techniques; identify specific near-term actions, beyond those already underway, that are needed to address challenges currently facing states and local communities; and develop risk communication strategies to address public concerns with PFAS.

Following the summit, EPA officials will travel to states with communities impacted by PFAS to further engage on ways the agency can best support the work that’s being done at the state and local levels.

“Using information from the National Leadership Summit and community engagement, EPA plans to develop a PFAS Management Plan for release later this year,” the EPA press release said. “EPA has also updated the PFAS website to highlight ongoing work by the agency, including the development of additional toxicity values, analytical methods and treatment options for PFAS in drinking water. Details on the National Leadership Summit and community engagement events will be posted on the website as materials become available.”

For more information about PFAS, visit https://www.epa.gov/pfas.