Toxic PFAS chemicals are found in multiple products, ranging from waterproof clothing to firefighting foams and ski waxes. Often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily, PFAS are linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems.
The new standard would have big implications for Colorado, which has more PFAS-contaminated sites than any other state, according to the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. Dozens of public drinking water sources in the state would be deemed toxic, as the Denver Post has reported. An Environmental Working Group map shows relatively few contaminated sites elsewhere in the Mountain West.