With many current events going on regarding chemical spillages, have you ever wondered is your water safe? In the article “EPA proposes rules to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water" published by the Washington Post, the author Timothy Puko explores the first regulations on toxic chemicals that are showing up in drinking water that is consumed by U.S. citizens around the country. Forever chemicals are toxic chemicals also known as polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that are commonly found in consumer products such as nonstick cookware, cosmetics, and food packaging. Due to the nature of these chemicals properties they are not easily broken down and as a result can persist in water for long periods of time (years). Although scientists aren’t certain of all the long-term effects when exposed to PFAS, animal studies have linked them to infertility, thyroid problems, and several types of cancers. The EPA further states that lab animals exposed to PFAS have experienced low birth weight, birth defects delayed development and even death.
Structure of polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances
The Environmental Protection Agency is introducing regulations on drinking-water standards that are set to target these toxic chemicals. The proposal mandates that water utilities detect and decrease PFAS contamination levels to 4 parts per trillion. This would be a harsh regulation if imposed and would cause water-utility companies to shell out billions of dollars as this is the lowest level at which we can accurately measure and detect PFAS. This is a huge jump from the previous standard set in 2016, in which PFAS needed to be detected at 70 parts per trillion. There have been calls to the Biden Administration from health advocates to quickly address this problem as it is a contamination crisis that has been described as having touched every state.
In this photo, taken on February 16th, Eric Kleiner can be seen sorting samples for experimentation as a part of drinking water and PFAS research at the EPA's Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response in Cincinnati. Kleiner is positioned in the center of the photo.
This article addresses the world of chemistry through its discussion of PFAS. These dangerous chemicals are man-made and pose a huge threat to public safety as they can persist in public drinking water for years, hence the nickname ‘forever chemicals’. Although this article does not directly describe the chemical structure of PFAS, it addresses much of how the chemical is a carcinogen and the harmful effects of ingesting such chemicals on a regular basis.
This article begs the question of our government's ability to swiftly and concisely deal with a health crisis. In the article, the author states that less than 40% of the EPA’s actions regarding PFAS have been completed on schedule. The article questions how can it be such a common problem for rules and regulations regarding PFAS to linger without action for months. In a situation such as this, where millions of people are being exposed daily to PFAS, a carcinogen, through their tap water, how can lawmakers take so long to make a decision? Regarding chemophobia, I believe that this article serves to refute such fears. This article illustrates how the EPA plans to implement these strict regulations on public water providers across the nation. Although some readers may fear that there are carcinogens such as PFAS in their tap water as a result of the article, I believe generally readers will be reassured that, hopefully, in the near future these chemicals will be nearly eliminated from our tap water supply.
Citations
Bickel, Joshua A. “Eric Kleiner, Center, Sorts Samples for Experimentation as Part of Drinking Water and PFAS Research Feb. 16 at the EPA's Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response in Cincinnati.” EPA Proposes Rules to Limit ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FOXLA7VZAMI63MG7RSQU3ZTZVU.jpg&w=1200. Accessed 3 Apr. 2023.
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/images/pfoa.jpg. Accessed 3 Apr. 2023.
Puko, Timothy. “EPA Proposes Rules to Limit 'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/03/14/epa-drinking-water-regulations-pfas/.
Your title and lede are effective and pointed. You give us the source right away and the reason we all might be interested in the problem. Your explanation of the possible dangers is accurate and fair. The evidence is mostly from animal studies and is mostly based on statistical correlations. The possible mechanism for toxicity and/or carcinogenicity is evidently not well understood. They are, however, found everywhere and are very long-lived in the environment. Your explanation of the EPA action is concise and accurate. Your analysis of the possible influence on a reader of the article is probably defensible. Some readers might be moved to oppose the use of "man-made chemicals" for any purpose. Note that PFAs are "suspected" carcinogens. I don't think they have been officially labelled carcinogens. In some places you might have phrased things differently to positive effect. Your first sentence might have been, "With all the reports of chemical leaks and spillages in the news you might have wondered, "is my drinking water safe?"" Overall a timely and interesting post.
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