GAO Calls for Nationwide Analysis of “Forever Chemicals”

By Melissa Suran | JAMA Network | November 22, 2022

Read the full article by Melissa Suran (JAMA Network)

"The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conduct a national analysis of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic chemical compounds. These substances are found in a range of household and industrial products, including cosmetics, food packaging, and nonstick cookware.

Although the EPA intends to regulate PFAS starting next year, the agency lacks nationwide demographic data about communities exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Such information could help determine the extent of PFAS contamination in disadvantaged communities. The EPA agrees with the recommendation, according to a GAO statement.

A recent GAO report analyzed PFAS occurrence in the drinking water systems of Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and Vermont. Overall, the report concluded that 29% of the population served by the 5300 water systems analyzed have drinking water PFAS levels that aren’t considered safe by EPA standards."

Location:

• North AmericaUS

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• ImpactDrinking water
• ImpactDrinking waterPrivate wells
• AgenciesEPA
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data