White House launches initiative to reduce forever chemicals in public water supplies

The Biden Administration has launched a new program to reduce toxic poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), or “forever chemicals” in the U.S. water supply. The initiative aims to protect the public from widespread health threats linked to the chemicals.

Under the plan, new regulations will require U.S. water facilities to routinely test for the chemicals, which include perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid, according to a statement from the White House.

Water facilities that are found to have exceedingly high levels of PFAs will be given 5 years to redevelop the facilities to reduce or eliminate the presence of the chemicals.

The plan is expected to protect more than 100 million people from further PFA exposure, preventing serious ailments and prolonging lives.

PFAs or forever chemicals were used to produce various commercial products during the 20th century including Teflon and plastic packaging. While the chemicals are no longer produced, they remain present in the environment due to historical use and have been found in drinking water, food, and soil.

The chemicals have been linked to a host of serious health conditions including forms of cancer, fertility issues, liver damage, heart problems, and developmental issues in children.