Addressing the Crisis of Forever Chemicals
The absence of enforceable environmental and health standards for PFAS poses a significant and growing threat to the health and well-being of this country.
PEER works with current and former local, state and federal employees who want government agencies to do more to protect people and wildlife from these toxic chemicals.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of over 13,000 human-made chemicals that are persistent, toxic, and most are bioaccumulative. They are used in manufacturing processes and are components of consumer products such as upholstered furniture, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, clothing, artificial turf, and pesticides, as well as many other products.
These “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment. Many biomagnify in the food chain — and bioaccumulate in us. There are three exposure routes for PFAS: ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Studies have found PFAS in the bloodstream of 99% of Americans.
Human exposure to PFAS is associated with cancer, birth defects, developmental damage to infants, and impaired functioning of the liver, kidneys, and immune system.
PEER’s work focuses on advocating for:
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- Defining PFAS broadly;
- Regulating PFAS as a family of chemicals;
- Banning all non-essential uses of PFAS, as Europe is doing;
- Setting comprehensive standards for PFAS across environmental statutes that address air and water quality, hazardous waste management, remediating polluted sites, and reporting toxic releases; and
- Bringing complete transparency and scientific integrity to government decision making.
LEARN MORE
Fighting PFAS Contamination on Farms
PEER is suing EPA on behalf of Texas farmers and others for failing to set standards on PFAS in biosolids. Learn more»
Exposing PFAS Risks from Artificial Turf
Ewell Hopkins, former Planning Board chair for the Town of Oak Bluffs, Mass. and a PEER Board Member, explains PEER’s role in standing up for communities. Learn more»
Suing over PFAS in Plastic Containers
PEER and the Center for Environmental Health are working relentlessly to get PFAS out of plastic containers. Learn more»
TAKE ACTION
Tell EPA to get PFAS out of pesticides
PFAS should not be in pesticides. Tell the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the distribution of all pesticides containing PFAS and urge your Congressional members to ask EPA to act immediately on this petition. Sign our petition»
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A SNAPSHOT OF PEER’S PAST EFFORTS
Here are some examples of how PEER has made a difference:
- Petitioning EPA to classify PFAS-contaminated waste as hazardous under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, so that it can be managed more safely during generation, transportation, and disposal.
- Helping a farming family in Texas tell the story of how PFAS contamination has destroyed their livelihood.
- Documenting the widespread use of PFAS in pesticides despite EPA assurances to the contrary.
- Waging a successful three-year effort to urge EPA to release national PFAS contamination data.
- Identifying dangerously high levels of PFAS in biosolids used in the greater Washington, DC, area, leading to curbs on its application.
- Working with communities and groups across the country to address local issues and build national movements.
PEER’S PERSPECTIVE
COMMENTARY | EPA Lacks a PFAS Containment Strategy
READ MORE NEWS ON PUBLIC HEALTH
VIDEO | PFAS in Our Waste with Kyla Bennett
In this one-on-one 30-minute virtual conversation Just Zero's Senior Scientist, Laura Orlando, is joined by Kyla Bennett, Director of Science Policy at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Together, Orlando and Bennett discuss the PFAS, also known...
VIDEO | PEER Stands Up for Communities
PEER board member Ewell Hopkins shares the story of PEER’s role in protecting his community from the influence of the artificial turf industry.
PETITION | Tell EPA To Get PFAS Out of Pesticides
Petition telling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban the distribution of all pesticides containing PFAS.
New Suit Targets EPA Inaction on PFOA in Plastic Containers
EPA Sued for Failure to Implement TSCA Directive to Prevent Significant and Serious or Widespread Risks to Health
Webinar | Hidden Hazards: Whistleblowers, Industry Influence, and the Fight Against Toxics
PEER and Government Accountability Project present a webinar on the role whistleblowers have played in the East Palestine disaster and at EPA.
New Study Finds Alarming Rise in Persistent ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Pesticides
PFAS From Pesticide Products Detected in Rivers, Streams Throughout United States
Lawsuit to Prevent PFAS in Biosolid Fertilizer Expands
MOFGA and Johnson County, TX to join lawsuit against EPA seeking to limit PFAS levels in sewage sludge spread on America’s farms and gardens.
COMMENTARY | EPA Lacks a PFAS Containment Strategy
To stop the forever chemical crisis, EPA must interrupt the flow of PFAS reaching our water, soil, and food chain every day.
