The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the launch of a program intended to address the issue of PFAS contamination in drinking water. It is estimated that the program will impact about 3,000 drinking water systems, primarily in rural and disadvantaged areas. Ideally, this will help to reduce PFAS exposure, protecting people from these potentially dangerous “forever chemicals.”
EPA Announces Program to Combat PFAS in Drinking Water
On April 14, the EPA announced PFAS OUT, a program intended to help combat the issue of drinking water contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The program aims to help smaller and more disadvantaged communities by providing resources to help them address contamination. This is meant to address the disparity in treatment that these communities receive, which often lack the resources to address environmental contamination on their own.
How PFAS Contamination Occurs
PFAS can enter the environment through any number of ways, though it is commonly the result of industrial runoff or other improper forms of waste disposal. These substances have earned the nickname of “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in nature or in the human body, making it easy for them to contaminate water sources over time. It is estimated that about 200 million Americans are exposed to drinking water with detectable levels of PFAS.
The Dangers of PFAS
PFAS exposure has been tied to a number of different health issues, including liver problems, higher cholesterol, decreased immune response, and an increased risk of obesity. They have also been associated with lower birth weight and other complications for children exposed during pregnancy. Additionally, they have also been tied to an increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.
What You Can Do
If you have been exposed to PFAS or other environmental contaminants, you may have legal options available to you. However, to know what options are available to you, you need to speak to a lawyer with experience handling environmental law matters. They can help you create a legal strategy that suits your needs, and help you get justice for the harm you have suffered.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We have extensive experience representing the interests of people injured in catastrophic accidents, including fires, explosions and leaks of toxic materials. If you believe we can be of service to you or a loved one, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.