Tell EPA: Ban PFAS Chemicals

A recent analysis from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that America’s drinking water is extensively contaminated with toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS. Despite the extent of the contamination and the danger to health posed by these chemicals, the Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate or require testing for PFAS. We must pressure the EPA to ban these dangerous chemicals.

Write to Congress and the EPA, telling them to ban PFAS chemicals.

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Please ban PFAS chemicals

Dear [Decision Maker],

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A recent analysis from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that America's drinking water is extensively contaminated with toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS. Despite the extent of the contamination and the danger to health posed by these chemicals, the Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate or require testing for PFAS. This has to change.

PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment and accumulate in human blood and organs. These compounds are used to make products water and stain resistant and are found in Teflon, dental floss, eyeliner, food packaging, carpeting, and textiles. Because these chemicals are water soluble as well as resistant to heat, oils, and grease, they can easily move through the environment. They are linked to a wide range of health concerns such as cancer, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, autoimmune problems, liver disease, high cholesterol, developmental problems in fetuses, Parkinson's disease, bone disease, and more.

The EPA has worked with the chemical industry to phase out "long-chain" PFAS starting in 2006, but the "short chain" PFAS that are replacing them could be even more dangerous. A recent study found that short chain PFAS are "more widely detected, more persistent and mobile in aquatic systems, and thus may pose more risks on the human and ecosystem health" than long-chain PFAS. Current methods for treating water to remove long chain PFAS are also less effective at removing short chain PFAS.

The EWG study demonstrates that we are all at risk from exposure to PFAS, but certain communities seem to be even more at risk. In 2012 the EPA conducted an epidemiological study in West Virginia. The study found a link between high levels of exposure to PFAS (the residents lived near a DuPont chemical plant) and six diseases prevalent in the community. Since it is often poor residents, and many communities of color, who live in areas near refineries and chemical plants, the EPA's negligence is hurting these populations even more.

The EPA has the authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit or restrict new chemicals or new uses of chemicals, but it has declined to take these strong actions against short chain PFAS. This is unacceptable.

Please take action now to ban PFAS chemicals.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]