Members of the international scientific community decry the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new definition of “forever chemicals” that they say leaves some toxic substances out, according to an article from the Guardian. The new “working definition” of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was established by the agency’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics and reportedly is even narrower than that used by other EPA departments.
According to the article, the narrower definition excludes some chemicals in pharmaceuticals and pesticides generally recognized as PFAS. Critics reportedly feel the change benefits chemical manufacturers, the Department of Defense and industry. An EPA official who spoke with the Guardian on the condition of anonymity reportedly says the working definition was developed about a year ago and discussions over it are still ongoing.
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