The Environmental Protection Agency Sets First Drinking Water Standard for “Forever Chemicals”
Introduction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the nation’s first drinking water standard for “forever chemicals,” a group of persistent human-made chemicals that can pose a health risk to people at even the smallest detectable levels of exposure.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
The Impact of PFAS on Health and the Environment
The new rules are part of the Biden administration’s efforts to limit pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can persist in the environment for centuries. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, low birth weights, high cholesterol, and negative effects on the liver, thyroid, and immune system.
Reducing Chemicals in Drinking Water
EPA officials estimate that the federal rule will reduce PFAS exposure in drinking water for about 100 million people. This is the first time the EPA has set a drinking water standard for a new contaminant since 1996. Some states — including Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington — have already passed drinking water standards for certain PFAS.
Public Response and Pushback
“Everyone should be able to turn on the tap and know that the glass of water they fill is safe to drink and free of pollutants,” said Brenda Mallory, the chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Environmental groups praised the action, while the water industry expressed concerns about the costs of implementing the new regulations.
An Alphabet Soup of Forever Chemicals
PFAS are a broad class of thousands of carbon-fluorine bonded compounds that have been used since the 1940s. These chemicals can be found in a range of products, including stain-resistant carpet, non-stick cookware, solar panels, and artificial turf.
Conclusion
The EPA’s drinking water standard for “forever chemicals” is a significant step towards ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 14: Life Below Water. By addressing the risks associated with PFAS contamination, the EPA is working towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article discusses the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to set a drinking water standard for “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. These chemicals can pose health risks and have been linked to various negative effects on human health. By addressing the regulation of these chemicals in drinking water, the article connects to SDG 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all. It also relates to SDG 3, as the reduction of exposure to PFAS can contribute to improved health outcomes. Additionally, the article touches on the issue of responsible consumption and production, as it mentions the use of PFAS in various products.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
The article highlights the efforts of the EPA to set a drinking water standard for PFAS, which aligns with Target 6.1 of SDG 6. This target aims to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water. The reduction of PFAS exposure also contributes to Target 3.9 of SDG 3, which focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution. Additionally, the regulation of PFAS aligns with Target 12.4 of SDG 12, which aims to achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and reduce their release into the environment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
- Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but it provides information that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. Indicator 6.1.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 6.1 by assessing the proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water services. Indicator 3.9.1 can measure progress towards Target 3.9 by tracking the mortality rate attributed to pollution and contamination. Indicator 12.4.2 can measure progress towards Target 12.4 by assessing the generation and treatment of hazardous waste.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment. |
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Source: washingtonpost.com
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