Rules on 'forever chemicals' could cost communities billions

As early as today, the Environmental Protection Agency "is expected to propose restrictions on harmful 'forever chemicals' in drinking water after finding they are dangerous in amounts so small as to be undetectable, The Associated Press reports. "But experts say removing them will cost billions, a burden that will fall hardest on small communities with few resources." Translation: rural.

"Concerned about the chemicals’ ability to weaken children’s immune systems, the EPA said last year that PFAS could cause harm at levels “much lower than previously understood, AP's Michael Phillis and Brittany Peterson write. "There is also evidence the compounds are linked to low birthweight, kidney cancer and a slew of other health issues. It’s unclear what the EPA will now propose and how well it will protect people from these recently-understood harms."

PFAS stands for "per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances." They "are widespread, don’t degrade in the environment and have been around for decades," AP notes. "They’ve been used in nonstick pans, food packaging and firefighting foam. Their use is now mostly phased out in the U.S., but some still remain. . . . Over the last decade, an increasing number of cities and towns, often abutting manufacturing plants or Air Force bases, suddenly realized they had a problem."

While Friday was the deadline for the proposal, it has to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. "As of Thursday, that review wasn’t finished," AP reports.