Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
EPA To Regulate Water-Contaminating PFAS Chemicals Linked To Cancer
Newsweek: EPA Takes Steps To Regulate 'Forever Chemicals' In Drinking Water, Consumer Products
A new strategy from the White House to regulate toxic industrial compounds linked to serious illness was announced Monday, putting everything from cookware and carpets to firefighting foams under revised standards, the Associated Press reported. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Michael Regan said his agency is taking a series of steps to reduce pollution from "forever chemicals," or PFAS, long-lasting chemicals that are contaminating public drinking water, wells and even food. (Cagnassola, 10/18)
AP: EPA Unveils Strategy To Regulate Toxic 'Forever Chemicals'
The Biden administration said Monday it is launching a broad strategy to regulate toxic industrial compounds associated with serious health conditions that are used in products ranging from cookware to carpets and firefighting foams. Michael Regan, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, said his agency is taking a series of actions to limit pollution from a cluster of long-lasting chemicals known as PFAS that are increasingly turning up in public drinking water systems, private wells and even food. (Daly, 10/19)
Philadelphia Inquirer: Biden's EPA Announces Plan To Regulate PFAS Chemicals, Which Have Caused Drinking Water Contamination
The Environmental Protection Agency pledged Monday to take steps to regulate a group of toxic chemicals used in everyday products that have contaminated drinking water nationwide, outlining a sweeping plan that prompted both hope and skepticism in the Philadelphia region, where many have waited years for federal action. The Biden administration’s strategy includes creating enforceable standards that limit the chemicals in drinking water and designating some as hazardous substances, which could help hold polluters accountable for cleanup costs. Its new “road map” will also create a national strategy for testing for the chemicals and take other steps to curb pollution caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS — highly persistent compounds linked to cancer, infertility, and other health problems. (McDaniel and McCrystal, 10/19)
