Michael Regan | environmental protection agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to gather input from the public regarding the potential designation of more per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
The notice seeks input on whether to designate additional PFAS, including HFPO-DA, and compounds that degrade in the environment by processes such as biodegradation, photolysis and hydrolysis, to form certain PFAS, according to an April 13 news release. The public will have 60 days to comment on this proposal.
“Today’s announcement highlights EPA’s commitment to transparency and the use of the best available science to tackle PFAS pollution and protect people from exposure to these forever chemicals,” Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management Barry Breen said in the release.
EPA is seeking input about designating two PFAs as hazardous substances.
| jarmoluk/Pixabay
The notice is part of the EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap and follows the agency's proposed rule to designate PFOA and PFOS and their salts and structural isomers as hazardous substances under CERCLA, the release reported. PFAS can accumulate and persist in the human body for long periods and may lead to various health issues, including cancer, reproductive, developmental, cardiovascular, liver and immunological effects.
“This is a key commitment under the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and will provide an opportunity for a large and diverse group of stakeholders, including the public, state and local governments, tribes, industry, businesses, environmental groups and universities, to provide input and help EPA gather the latest science and information regarding PFAS,” Breen added, according to the release.
The EPA is committed to protecting public health from the PFAS crisis and working with its federal partners to develop solutions, the release said.
If the EPA decides to move forward with designating additional PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under CERCLA, the agency will publish a proposed rule and seek public comment, according to the release. The agency is not reopening or proposing to modify any existing regulations through this notice.
