EPA to Attempt PFAS Regulation

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used as dirt and stain repellants and are found in carpet and textile treatments, coatings, sealants, and other building and consumer products. They are persistent in the environment, and some are known persistent, bioaccumulative toxicants (PBTs), yet the extent of their use is not fully understood, and all but the most toxic of these have escaped regulation. That is all about to change.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing several new initiatives intended to protect consumers from PFAS exposure. Because you can’t regulate hazardous materials if you don’t know which ones are being used or in what products you find them, the agency is starting with reporting requirements.