EPA unveils new strategy to address US contamination of ‘forever’ chemicals

News comes day after the Guardian revealed data that lists 120,000 sites in US that may be, or may have been, handling the chemicals

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday announced a strategic roadmap" it said would help restrict a class of toxic chemicals from being released into the environment and accelerate the cleanup of existing contamination of forever chemicals" that are associated with a range of human health dangers.

The news comes a day after the Guardian revealed an EPA data set that lists roughly 120,000 industrial sites around the country that may be, or may have been, handling PFAS chemicals. The data set includes facility locations and operation details, and was compiled by EPA researchers to help state and local officials work with the federal government in addressing contamination concerns.

Aggressive" timelines to set enforceable drinking water limits under the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure water is safe to drink in every community".

Timelines for actions involved in the establishment of effluent guideline limitations", for nine industrial categories.

Establishment of a hazardous substance designation under the federal Superfund law that enhances the government's ability to hold PFAS polluters financially accountable.

A review of past actions on PFAS taken under the Toxic Substances Control Act to address those that are insufficient.

Increased monitoring, data collection and research so that the agency can identify what actions are needed and when to take them.

A final toxicity assessment for a type of PFAS called GenX used in manufacturing nonstick coatings that has been found in drinking water, rainwater and air samples.

Continued efforts to address PFAS emissions into the air.