Chemicals that are insoluble and can linger in soil, water and air for an undetermined time cannot be broken down.
Many household products contain chemicals that can be used to permanently clean, such as nonstick cookware or cleaning products.
Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, outlined the government’s plan to fight PFAS until 2024.
Insider Healthcare: Get the latest news and analysis in healthcare Loading Click to sign up for marketing emails from Insider and other partners. You also agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
According to The New York Times, the Biden administration announced Monday that it was launching a broad federal effort to protect Americans against perfluoroalkyls (and polyfluoroalkyl compound) manmade chemicals. These compounds have been linked with serious health problems such as cancer and thyroid disease.
PFAS are used in industry and consumer products around the world. Their inability to be broken down causes them to linger in an environment and migrate into soil and water. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS can also be called "forever chemicals".
A White House fact sheet stated that the announcements will help to prevent PFAS being released into the atmosphere, drinking systems, food supply, and environment. The actions will also increase cleanup efforts to mitigate the harmful effects of these pollutants.
ATSDR lists a number of household products that contain forever chemicals.
Grease-resistant paper, wrappers for fast food containers, wrappers for microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and candy wrappers
Nonstick cookingware
Carpets, upholstery and other fabrics are protected against staining with stain-resistant coatings
Clothing that is water resistant
Cleaning products
Products for personal care (shampoos, dental floss, and cosmetics (nail varnish, eye makeup).
Paints, varnishes and sealants
Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, announced that the federal government would take steps to reduce the impact of PFAS. He said that polluters will be held accountable and further contamination will be prevented.
"We can only move forward if we work closely with Tribes and states, localities and stakeholders to implement solutions that are scientifically sound and last the test of time. Engagement, transparency, accountability, and engagement are key to achieving meaningful change," Regan stated in the PFAS Strategy Roadmap.
According to a White House factsheet, other federal agencies are involved in efforts to limit exposure to PFAS. These include the Department of Defense, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security, White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Department of Health and Human Services.
