South Middlesex Times

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced new federal rules requiring water companies to reduce the amount of so-called forever chemicals – which have been linked to increased cancer risk and other illnesses – in drinking water nationwide.

Robert Laumbach, a clinical researcher with Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, shed light on the issue of forever chemicals and their impact on human health. He explained that PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are resistant to break down in the environment due to their properties and have been widely used in various products, leading to their presence in drinking water. Laumbach emphasized the significance of addressing the presence of these chemicals in water sources, stating, "The rule sets national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals that have been found in the drinking water in thousands of water systems across the country."

Laumbach highlighted the importance of the new EPA rule, mentioning that it aims to tackle the growing concern regarding the potential health effects of long-term exposure to PFAS in drinking water. He noted that the rule will provide uniform protection to the public across the country, emphasizing the need to remove these harmful chemicals to prevent adverse health effects.

Regarding the removal of PFAS from drinking water, Laumbach explained that filtration with activated carbon or resin systems can effectively eliminate these chemicals. However, he pointed out that implementing these filtration systems can be challenging and costly for water purveyors, indicating that it may take several years for affected drinking water systems to comply with the new standards.

In conclusion, Laumbach stressed the significance of the rule change for public health, stating, "It is important to remove these chemicals from drinking water to prevent potential adverse health effects." He highlighted the need for further research to fully comprehend the health impacts of PFAS, which have been associated with various health issues such as cancer, developmental problems in children, reduced fertility, and increased cholesterol levels.