EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. compound / ˈkɒm paʊnd / (n.) – a chemical that combines two or more elements
    Example:

    They found dangerous chemical compounds inside the laboratory.


  2. widespread / ˈwaɪdˈsprɛd / (adj.) – happening in many places or among many people
    Example:

    World leaders had difficulty controlling the widespread disease.


  3. degrade / dɪˈgreɪd / (v.) – to break down into simpler chemicals
    Example:

    Some substances take much longer to degrade than others.


  4. a step in the right direction / ə stɛp ɪn ðə raɪt dəˈrɛk ʃən / (idiom) – an action that makes achieving a goal possible
    Example:

    Eating healthy is a step in the right direction toward losing weight.


  5. compliance / kəmˈplaɪ əns / (n.) – the act of obeying a rule
    Example:

    Always remember that compliance with school rules and regulations is important.


Article

Read the text below.

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first federal limits on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, a long-awaited protection the agency said will save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses, including cancer.


The plan would limit toxic PFAS chemicals to the lowest level that tests can detect. PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated substances, are a group of compounds that are widespread, dangerous and expensive to remove from water. They don’t degrade in the environment and are linked to a broad range of health issues, including low birth weight and kidney cancer.


“The science is clear that long-term exposure to PFAS is linked to significant health risks,” Radhika Fox, assistant EPA administrator for water, said in an interview.


Fox called the federal proposal a “transformational change” for improving the safety of drinking water in the United States. The agency estimates the rule could reduce PFAS exposure for nearly 100 million Americans, decreasing rates of cancer, heart attacks and birth complications.


The chemicals had been used since the 1940s in consumer products and industry, including in nonstick pans, food packaging and firefighting foam. Their use is now mostly phased out in the U.S., but some still remain.


The public will have a chance to comment, and the agency can make changes before issuing a final rule, expected by the end of the year.


The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators called the proposal “a step in the right direction” but said compliance will be challenging. Despite available federal money, “significant rate increases will be required for most of the systems” that must remove PFAS, the group said.


Environmental and public health advocates have called for federal regulation of PFAS chemicals for years. Over the last decade, the EPA has repeatedly strengthened its protective, voluntary health thresholds for the chemicals but has not imposed mandatory limits on water providers.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • “Forever chemicals” are almost phased out in the U.S., but there are still some consumer products that use them. Does this make you feel concerned? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In what ways do you think we can minimize our exposure to harmful chemicals in household products (ex. use natural alternatives)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Removing “forever chemicals” from water will make it safer, but it can be expensive. Are you okay with this? Discuss.
  • Do you think that drinking water in your country is safe? Why or why not? Discuss.