On June 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new and revised health advisories for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The health advisories can be found by clicking here.
Interim Updated Lifetime Drinking Water Health Advisory:
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): 004 parts per trillion (ppt) (updated from 70 ppt)
- Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS): 02 ppt (updated from 70 ppt)
Final Lifetime Drinking Water Health Advisory:
- Hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) dimer acid and its ammonium salt (together referred to as “GenX chemicals”): 10 ppt. GenX chemicals are considered a replacement for PFOA.
- Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its related compound potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (together referred to as “PFBS”): 2,000 ppt. PFBS is considered a replacement for PFOS.
PFAS are a large and diverse set of compounds used in many consumer, commercial and industrial products due to their properties, such as nonstick and temperature resistance.
These health advisories, which are not a law or regulation, reflect EPA’s view of best available science at the time, and may change as new information becomes available. The health advisories consider lifetime exposure and are aimed at assisting government officials and water systems in protecting public health.
There are potential PFAS health concerns, including some related to the immune system, cardiovascular system, cancer and human development. For more information, EPA has published questions and answers regarding the drinking water health advisories.
If you have questions about your drinking water, you can contact your local water utility or, if you own a home drinking water well, EPA includes the following links:
- https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water
- https://www.epa.gov/pfas/meaningful-and-achievable-steps-you-can-take-reduce-your-risk
States also are taking many measures related to PFAS. In Michigan, the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team website can be found by clicking here.
Senior AttorneyLaura L. Romeo is a senior attorney in the firm's Bloomfield Hills office and Co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Environmental & Energy Practice Group. Ms. Romeo has numerous years of experience focusing on environmental, energy ...
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