EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup

By MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A group that represents the chemical industry says it strongly opposes the Environmental Protection Agency’s designation of two forever chemicals used in cookware, carpets and firefighting foams as hazardous substances. Friday’s EPA designation is intended to ensure quicker cleanup of the toxic compounds PFOA and PFOS and require those responsible for contamination to pay for its removal. Designation as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law requires that releases of the chemicals into soil or water at certain levels be reported to authorities. The EPA could then require cleanup to protect public health and recover costs. The American Chemistry Council says it believes the EPA’s action “will undermine overall remediation efforts” for such contamination.