Crackdown on PFAS: What to know about the ‘forever chemicals’ in everyday use

The Biden administration is tightening the screws on “forever chemicals” used in the production of a wide range of consumer goods, such as nonstick cookware, camping gear, and fast-food packaging — a push that industry groups argue is overly restrictive and will drive up costs.

The rules are part of a yearslong Environmental Protection Agency-led push to crack down on air and water pollution from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, or PFAS, which are nearly impossible to break down naturally and are linked to health troubles such as liver and kidney disease, immune problems, and certain cancers. 

The agency has proposed or finalized several rules on PFAS: limiting levels in public drinking water, setting new reporting requirements for companies, and allowing the EPA to monitor and fine polluters for improper disposal of the toxins. Other rules are expected to be finalized this summer.

While consumers may not see an immediate impact on store shelves as a result of the EPA’s regulations, which so far deal with the handling and disposal of PFAS toxins rather than dictating their use, they have also given companies a new financial incentive to move away from using PFAS in a bid to avoid public pressure, as well as costly remediation fees.