Two ‘forever chemicals’ more toxic than previously thought: EPA drafts

New draft reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have found that two “forever chemicals” are more toxic than previously thought, and that one is likely carcinogenic to humans. 

The drafts found the safe levels of ingestion for chemicals perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are much lower than the agency had found in prior assessments. 

The agency also found that PFOA is “likely” carcinogenic to humans. This is a step up from before, as it has previously said that there is “suggestive” evidence that the substance can cause cancer. 

Both PFOA and PFOS can be found in drinking water, as well as other substances. PFOA has been used in nonstick cookware, flame repellants and cosmetics. PFOS has been used in water- and stain-resistant products. 

The latest findings come as part of an EPA effort to regulate the substances, with the agency saying that it will aim to finish drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS in 2023. 

Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, told The Hill that the stronger toxicity finding is a sign that the agency will issue strong regulations. 

“There’s no turning back. The evidence is now overwhelming, that PFAS is toxic at very low levels and that tens of millions if not hundreds of millions of Americans have unsafe levels of PFOA in particular in their drinking water,” Faber said. 

Both substances belong to a class of chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), which are also sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they build up in peoples’ bodies over time instead of breaking down. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found PFAS in the blood of nearly all the people that it tested, indicating “widespread” exposure in the American public. 

The EPA also recently found a different type of PFAS known as GenX to be more toxic than previously believed.