Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
EPA Proposes 'Historic' Plan To Regulate Long-Lasting Toxins In Drinking Water, But Critics Say It Falls Far Short Of What's Needed
Reuters: U.S. Unveils Plan To Control Some Toxins In Drinking Water, Sets No Limits
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday it plans to control a group of toxic chemicals found in Americans' drinking water but stopped short of setting limits until later this year. Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on Thursday said the agency planned short- and long-term steps to help states exposed to a class of common chemicals called PFAS, used in Teflon and firefighting foam. (Valcovici, 2/14)
The Washington Post: Critics Say EPA Action Plan On Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Falls Short
The manmade chemicals have long been used in consumer products, including water-repellent fabrics, nonstick cookware and grease-resistant paper products, as well as in firefighting foams. Long-term exposures have been associated with health problems that include thyroid disease, weakened immunity, infertility risks and certain cancers. Because PFAS do not break down in the environment, they have become known as “forever chemicals.” (Dennis, 2/14)
The New York Times: E.P.A. Will Study Limits On Cancer-Linked Chemicals. Critics Say The Plan Delays Action.
Environmentalists and Democratic lawmakers criticized the plan, saying it in effect delayed desperately needed regulation on a clear public health threat from chemicals that are commonly used in cookware, pizza boxes, stain repellents and fire retardants. E.P.A. officials described their proposal as the “first-ever nationwide action plan” to address the health effects of human-made chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASs. There currently no federal regulations on the production or monitoring of that class of about 5,000 chemicals, which are manufactured and used in a wide variety of industries and products. Studies have shown that they can linger in the human body for years, causing harmful health impacts. (Davenport, 2/14)
