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:
Related suggestion:
Young Ugandans tangle in the mud. They dream of becoming professional wrestlersCPEC hydropower station starts impoundment in NW PakistanForex settlement data showcases upbeat prospect of yuan assetsAhead of United Methodist gathering, African churches weigh their futureDemand recovery to be priorityIt's the first drug shown to slow Alzheimer's. Why is is it off to a slow start?China to further enhance NEV charging facilitiesEU’s mandate for customs registration of EV imports from China disappointing: chamberSydney mall stabbing: Officer, bystanders hailed for confronting and stopping attackerComedy films dominate as China's Spring Festival box office hits record high
2.9073s , 6491.4375 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup ,World Weaver news portal