Timeline of events related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
So kiddo, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short, are a type of chemical that can be found in things like non-stick pans, some food packaging, firefighting foam, and even some types of clothing.
Scientists have been studying how these chemicals impact our health and the environment for a while now.
Here's a timeline of events related to PFAS:
- In the 1950s, companies started using PFAS in products because they are good at repelling water and oil.
- In the 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started looking into the health and environmental risks of PFAS. They found out that PFAS can stay in the environment and our bodies for a long time, and can even build up over time.
- In the early 2000s, some states started testing for PFAS in drinking water and found out that it was in some communities at levels that were higher than what the EPA recommended.
- In 2016, the EPA lowered their recommendation on the safe level of PFAS in drinking water.
- In 2018, a report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found that exposure to PFAS can lead to health problems like thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and some types of cancer.
- More recently, in 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to regulate PFAS more strictly, which could mean that companies using these chemicals will need to follow stricter rules.
Overall, scientists and government agencies are still learning more about PFAS and how they impact our health and the environment. But by studying them and regulating their use, we can try to make sure that we stay safe and healthy.
Scientists have been studying how these chemicals impact our health and the environment for a while now.
Here's a timeline of events related to PFAS:
- In the 1950s, companies started using PFAS in products because they are good at repelling water and oil.
- In the 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started looking into the health and environmental risks of PFAS. They found out that PFAS can stay in the environment and our bodies for a long time, and can even build up over time.
- In the early 2000s, some states started testing for PFAS in drinking water and found out that it was in some communities at levels that were higher than what the EPA recommended.
- In 2016, the EPA lowered their recommendation on the safe level of PFAS in drinking water.
- In 2018, a report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found that exposure to PFAS can lead to health problems like thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and some types of cancer.
- More recently, in 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to regulate PFAS more strictly, which could mean that companies using these chemicals will need to follow stricter rules.
Overall, scientists and government agencies are still learning more about PFAS and how they impact our health and the environment. But by studying them and regulating their use, we can try to make sure that we stay safe and healthy.