The EPA has released a proposed Systematic Review Protocol that, when finalized, will be used to conduct toxicity assessments for five of the variations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The Protocol is an amalgamation of the procedures and methods that the EPA will use on each of the five PFAS. The agency also announced that it submitted two proposals for regulating PFAS in September for internal review. These are just the latest steps in an extended process, memorialized in the PFAS Action Plan, that the EPA has committed to concluding by the end of 2019.

The EPA’s planned regulation of PFAS, which are now referred to by some as “forever chemicals” because information is still unclear on how long it take for all of them to break down in the environment, center around the life cycle impacts of these man-made chemicals. That includes protecting the public’s drinking water, planning responsible cleanup of areas where PFAS have been released, and conducting extensive research on the way the chemicals interact with the human body.

Those interested in providing feedback on the Systematic Review Protocol have until December 23, 2019 to do so. The full text of the Protocol can be found here.

Our attorneys have been at the forefront of PFAS issues, including giving presentations as to the future waves of litigation stemming from PFAS issues. For more information, please contact any of our PFAS – Toxic Torts Team: Jessica Deyoe, Suzanne Englot, Alexandra Fraher,or John Gardella.