A proposed rule for the ‘forever chemical’ are stricted limits than the US EPA

Want to give feedback to the state of Pennsylvania about what’s in your water?

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has opened a comment period about a rule to protect PA drinking water from PFAS. The public is able to comment through April 27, 2022.

The proposed rule would set an MCL of 14 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and an MCL of 18 ppt for PFOS, which are stricter limits compared to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s lifetime Health Advisory Level (HAL) of 70 ppt for PFOS and PFOA combined, according to a press release.

Comments can be submitted through DEP’s website or via email at RegComments@pa.gov. Each comment must contain a subject heading of the proposed rulemaking and the name/ address of the person submitting the comment. Written comments may be mailed to the Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477.

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are both The per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, aka “forever chemicals” are synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s to make water, heat, and stain-resistant products such as cookware, carpets, clothing, furniture fabrics, paper packaging for food, and other resistant materials. However, the chemicals are persistent in the human body and linked to adverse health effects including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of cancer. Teflon is one of the most common examples of PFAS.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher