The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially designated two so-called “forever chemicals” as hazardous chemicals under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law. These chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS, have been widely used for decades, resulting in significant environmental contamination. While this will not ban the use of such chemicals, it will allow the EPA to take exceptional steps to deal with environmental problems caused by PFOA and PFOS.
What Are PFOA and PFOS?
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are part of a family of chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are typically used for both industrial purposes and consumer goods, due to their ability to create non-stick surfaces. However, study of these chemicals has found they do not break down naturally in the environment or in the human body, giving them the nickname of “forever chemicals.”
What Are the Risks of PFOA and PFOS Exposure?
People who are exposed to significant amounts of PFOA or PFOS are at higher risk of a number of serious medical issues, including higher cholesterol, high blood pressure, immune system problems, and a higher risk of kidney and testicular cancer. In addition, exposure to these chemicals has been associated with a lower birth weight and a higher risk of complications from pregnancy. Notably, because these chemicals do not break down, they can accumulate to toxic levels over a long time, meaning someone may not notice they have been exposed for years.
Why Have They Been Designated as Hazardous Chemicals?
The EPA has designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous chemicals under CERCLA because it introduces new requirements that make it easier to identify and clean environmental contamination. Among other things, designating these substances as hazardous chemicals forces government officials to report if the presence of these chemicals in the water or soil exceeds certain amounts. It also allows the EPA to mandate cleanup of any environmental contamination detected, and to force polluters to pay for the cleanup..
What Does This Mean for You?
For most people, this decision is a beneficial one, since it will make it easier for environmental authorities to address contamination from PFOA, PFOS, and other similar chemicals. While this will not fully address the dangers posed by PFAS, it can make it easier to clean up contamination where it is detected. This, in turn, will limit the risk that you might suffer from toxic PFOA or PFOS exposure.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.