Protect Our Water from PFAS Pollution

PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are a class of toxic substances found in industrial processes, firefighting foam, and consumer products. These chemicals persist in the environment and are known to cause cancer and liver damage.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new water quality guidelines to protect public health from three PFAS chemicals -- PFOA, PFOS, and PFBS -- but we need stronger, science-backed protections that account for the full risk of PFAS pollution.

Tell the EPA to strengthen these protections!

Our Main Points:

• PFAS chemicals are dangerous. They can cause cancer and liver damage, and weaken the immune system¹ ². The EPA’s job is to protect public health and the environment, so it must set strong limits on PFAS pollution in our rivers and streams. The new EPA proposal is a good first step.
• The EPA’s proposal is based on solid science. The human health guidelines for three PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, and PFBS) are backed by studies reviewed by top public health and medical experts³. These guidelines are a strong starting point for protecting public health.
• The EPA must go further. EPA should evaluate “short-chain” PFAS because they can be just as toxic as long-chain PFAS⁴ ⁵ ⁶ included in the proposed standards. This is important because people are often exposed to mixtures of short- and long-chain PFAS, not just one chemical at a time⁷. Short-chain PFAS also are harder to filter out of water, making them even more dangerous.
• There are nearly 15,000 PFAS chemicals⁸, so regulating them one by one isn’t enough. The EPA should look at how these chemicals interact and their combined effects on human health. Protecting people means tackling the full picture of PFAS pollution.

How You Can Help

The deadline to submit a comment is April 25. Don’t wait -- take action today! Complete the form to add your comment to the EPA's docket. Personalize your comment for added impact.