PFAS is a class of toxic chemicals that can cause an increased risk of health problems, including cancers. The DEP wants to regulate two of them in drinking water.
EPA released a 3-year "roadmap" to prevent this class of toxic chemicals from being released into the environment and speed up the cleanup process. Advocates say too many unanswered questions remain.
In 2017, DEP started developing regulations for PFAS, a class of "forever" chemicals. It might be done by 2023. PFAS is linked to some types of cancers.
The Physicians for Social Responsibility found PFAS was used in 1,200 wells in six states. Although no evidence shows that PFAS was used in Pennsylvania, “we can’t be confident that we know everything."
Twenty locations along the river including Pa. will be sampled for this group of "forever chemicals" associated with reproductive problems, liver, kidney and thyroid disease, and cancer.
