WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday designated two forever chemicals that have been used in cookware, carpets and firefighting foams as hazardous substances, an action intended to ensure quicker cleanup of the toxic compounds and require industries and others responsible for contamination to pay for its removal. Designation as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law doesn’t ban the chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS. But it requires that releases of the chemicals into soil or water be reported to federal, state or tribal officials if they meet or exceed certain levels. The EPA then may require cleanups to protect public health and recover costs that can reach tens of millions of dollars. PFOA and PFOS have been voluntarily phased out by U.S. manufacturers but are still in limited use and remain in the environment because they do not degrade over time. The compounds are part of a larger cluster of forever chemicals known as PFAS that have been used since the 1940s in industry and consumer products including nonstick frying pans, water-repellent sports gear, stain-resistant rugs and cosmetics. |
Interview: BRI cooperation with China boosts infrastructure connectivity in Africa: AU officialForeign Leaders, Heads of Int'l Organizations Extend Greetings for Chinese New Year of DragonUpdate: China unveils ShenzhouZhongguancun Forum builds platform for global sciXi Says ChinaChinese naval hospital ship back home after visit to JakartaKenya, World Bank unveil carbon market guidebook for enterprisesXi chairs CPC leadership meeting to review reports, guideline and regulationsRwandans honor fallen politicians as genocide commemoration week endsBolivia urges UN to facilitate peace in Middle East