Coronavirus Slowing PFAS Testing, Cleanup Efforts Across U.S.

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic has stalled a range of efforts to address PFAS in drinking water, prompting concerns about what could happen if there’s a long-term delay.

The chemicals—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—have spread through drinking water, air, soil, and groundwater in many states. But the pandemic has delayed a federal study on the health effects of the chemicals, as well as PFAS testing and remediation efforts in Michigan and Ohio, where governors have issued stay-at-home orders and urged social distancing.

Delays of a few weeks or a month won’t throw many projects far off course, said ...