The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is seeking public input on draft toxicity assessments for GenX chemicals and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), which are members of a larger group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products because of their ability to repel water, grease, and oil.
The draft assessments are part of USEPA’s efforts to increase the amount of research and information that is publicly available on chemicals in the PFAS family.
“The draft toxicity assessments are part of our forthcoming management plan, but we are releasing the draft assessments now to provide this information – and give the public the opportunity to provide input – as soon as possible. These draft toxicity assessments reflect the best available science, as well as our extensive community engagement, and are critical to our efforts to help communities impacted by PFAS,” says Andrew Wheeler, USEPA Acting Administrator in a release.
The USEPA is working to develop a PFAS Management Plan that will outline the proposed approach to address the challenges of PFAS in the environment. USEPA engaged with Federal and State partners throughout the development of the draft assessments. The USEPA says when issued, the toxicity assessments may be used by Federal partners, States, Tribes, and local communities when it is necessary to act to address potential risks associated with human exposures to PFAS chemicals.
The USEPA will accept public comments on the GenX chemicals and PFBS draft toxicity assessments until January 22, 2019 on the Federal Register. The USEPA will then consider the public comments, revise the documents, and consider the need for additional review, as appropriate. Additional information about PFAS can be found on the USEPA website.