Hey fellow parents! Today, we’re going to talk about “forever chemicals” in our drinking water and what the EPA is doing to protect our families. Let’s break it down into simple terms and see what we can do as parents to keep our families safe.
What Are These “Forever Chemicals”?
Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are man-made chemicals used in everyday products like non-stick pans, firefighting foam, and waterproof clothes. They’re called forever chemicals because they stick around in the environment and our bodies for a really long time.
Why Should We Worry?
These chemicals have been linked to health issues like cancer, immune system problems, and developmental issues. The most concerning part is that they accumulate in our bodies over time, even if we’re exposed to only small amounts.
What’s in Our Drinking Water?
Back in 2016, the EPA warned about two types of PFAS in drinking water, but it wasn’t a legally enforceable rule. Since then, studies have found that these chemicals are more common in our water than we thought, affecting millions of Americans.
EPA’s Plan to Protect Our Drinking Water
To protect our families, the EPA has proposed new limits on four types of PFAS in public water systems. These limits aim to safeguard public health while considering the feasibility of implementation. If approved, these limits will be legally enforceable.
How Will This Impact Us?
These new limits could help protect our health and encourage industries to reduce their use of PFAS. However, there might be some economic impacts, like increased costs for industries and higher water bills for some communities.
Controversies and Criticisms
Not everyone agrees with the EPA’s proposed limits. Some think they’re too strict and could hurt the economy, while others believe they don’t go far enough to protect our health. There have also been concerns about the role of politics in this decision-making process.
What’s Next for Forever Chemicals and Our Families?
While the EPA’s proposed limits are a step in the right direction, there’s still more work to be done. We need more research on other types of PFAS, their health effects, and better ways to remove them from our water.
As parents, we can also reduce our exposure to PFAS like avoiding products containing them and using certified water filters. It’s crucial that we continue to prioritize this issue and work together to find effective solutions.
In Summary
The EPA’s proposed limits on “Forever Chemicals” in drinking water are an important move to protect our families and the environment. But there’s still a lot to do, and we all need to work together to make sure our communities are safe and healthy.
Stay informed and take action, fellow parents! Let’s protect our families and ensure a healthier future for our kids.
References:
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023, March 15). EPA Takes Bold Action to Address PFAS in Drinking Water. Retrieved fromhttps://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-03/Pre-Publication%20Federal%20Register%20Notice_PFAS%20NPDWR_NPRM_Final_3.13.23.pdf
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2016, May 19). Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-and-pfos
- Environmental Working Group. (2019, May 22). EWG Tap Water Database: PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2023/03/epa-proposes-bold-new-limits-tackling-forever-chemicals-drinking
