On Thursday, the Trump Administration announced that it will
issue a draft regulation by the end of the year placing a limit on
two chemicals frequently found in drinking water. The steps to
eventually regulate two types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances ("PFAS") known as PFOA and PFOS were announced
by U.S. EPA head Andrew Wheeler. Other steps outlined Thursday
include the initiation of a regulatory process to list PFOS and
PFOA as hazardous substances under Superfund and a promise that EPA
will "very soon" release interim groundwater clean-up
recommendations for sites contaminated with PFAS. EPA is also
looking into regulating other chemicals in the PFAS family.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that are resistant to water, grease,
and stains and have thousands of consumer and industrial uses. They
can be found in carpets, camping gear, fast-food wrappers, fabrics
for furniture, water-repellent fabrics, cleaners, cookware, and
more. Industry uses include O-rings and
