Wednesday the Environmental Protection Agency announced new drinking water standards to limit people's exposure to some PFAS chemicals. For decades, PFAS have been used to waterproof and stain-proof a variety of consumer products. These "forever chemicals" in a host of products — everything from raincoats and the Teflon of nonstick pans to makeup to furniture and firefighting foam. Because PFAS take a very long time to break down, they can accumulate in humans and the environment. Now, a growing body of research is linking them to human health problems like serious illness, some cancers, lower fertility and liver damage. Science correspondent<a href="https://www.npr.org/people/729920828/pien-huang"> Pien Huang </a>joins the show today to talk through this new EPA rule — what the threshold for safe levels of PFAS in tap water is, why the rule is happening now and how the federal standards will be implemented. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/04/10/1243775736/epa-pfas-forever-chemicals-drinking-water-limits">Read more</a> of Pien's reporting on the EPA's first ever rule on PFAS in drinking water. Want to hear more about health and human safety? Email us at <a href="mailto:shortwave@npr.org">shortwave@npr.org</a> — we might cover your question on a future episode! Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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What To Know About The New EPA Rule Limiting 'Forever Chemicals' In Tap Water

Short Wave