PFAS: US limits 'forever chemicals' in tap water for first time.

The US has imposed its first nationwide limits on harmful PFAS chemicals in tap water, which are linked to serious health issues such as cancer, reproductive problems, thyroid disease, decreased immune function, and asthma. PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are persistent in the environment due to their resistance to degradation. They are found in everyday products like cookware and firefighting foams, and research suggests millions of Americans are exposed to contaminated drinking water.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule requiring local governments to monitor and remove six versions of PFAS from water systems. The EPA warns that almost no level of PFAS exposure is safe. While larger cities may handle the changes, smaller towns may struggle with the high costs of implementing new treatment systems. The US government has allocated billions of dollars through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assist communities in addressing these water safety concerns.