At issue is a process to make the insides of plastic barrels more durable called fluorination, which creates dangerous PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, as unintended byproducts that then leach into fertilizers, condiments and other products stored in the barrels.
Environmental health groups Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and the Center for Environmental Health argue EPA has known about the risks since March 2023, which means the agency is long past the 180-day deadline for action under the Toxic Substances Control Act.