DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – The EPA made a major announcement Wednesday that could impact drinking water.
The EPA has set new limits for six PFAS, or cancer-causing chemicals, in drinking water nationwide.
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PFAS are found in many everyday materials, including detergents, shampoos, cookware, textiles, and more.
Public water systems will be required to monitor PFAS levels over a three-year period, and the results must be made available to the public starting in 2027.
It would then take five years to find a solution to reduce PFAS levels.
Experts say there are currently ways to minimize daily exposure.
Dr. Sara Yang is a groundwater toxicologist with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
According to Dr. Yang, water filters are available that can lower PFAS in drinking water. But she says it doesn't work out for everyone.
Dr. Yang suggests looking for ANSI 53 or ANSI 58 on the filter's label to make sure it works against PFAS.
Additionally, she suggests always showering after swimming in a lake and vacuuming regularly to reduce exposure to PFAS found in older flooring.
Dr. Yang believes the new regulations could have a significant impact on many people.
“We need this federal guidance to take the next steps to reduce our exposure and protect public health. And this is how we will get there,” Yang said. the doctor said.
EPA leaders estimate that the ruling will prevent about 100 million people from being exposed to PFAS.
They also believe this will prevent thousands of deaths and save tens of thousands of people from suffering from PFAS-related illnesses in the future.
The Wisconsin DNR says they are already monitoring PFAS levels.
All but 88 water systems in the state are below new guidelines released by the EPA today.
Click here for a map breaking down PFAS levels in drinking water across the state.
Click here to learn more about PFAS and potential health risks.
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