EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup
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.
Related articles
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Two people were injured when gunfire broke out during a high school gradu2024-05-21Stone carvings found inside cave of China's Longmen Grottoes
This undated file photo shows a view of the south cave of Leigutai caves after maintenance and reinf2024-05-21Stone carvings found inside cave of China's Longmen Grottoes
This undated file photo shows a view of the south cave of Leigutai caves after maintenance and reinf2024-05-21- A panel of distinguished experts called for an end to the unfounded criticism or "bashing" of China2024-05-21
OpenAI pauses ChatGPT voice after Scarlett Johansson comparisons
NEW YORK (AP) — OpenAI says it plans to halt the use of one of its ChatGPT voices after some users s2024-05-21China, France eye more direct flights, high
At the latest talk between high-level officials, Beijing and Paris have agreed to increase the frequ2024-05-21
atest comment