The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday granted a petition to address several “forever chemicals” formed during the fluorination of plastic containers used for various household and industrial purposes. This decision marks a significant step in tackling the pervasive issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
Conservation and public health organizations, including the Center for Environmental Health, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Clean Cape Fear, and Clean Water Action, submitted the petition in April. The petition calls for the EPA to act under the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacturing, processing, use, distribution, and disposal of specific PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) formed during the fluorination of plastic containers.
