Pennsylvania’s Plan to Limit ‘Forever Chemicals’ Open for Debate

Pennsylvania’s plan to set maximum contaminant levels for two types of “forever chemicals” in drinking water is now open for public comment, the state’s environmental agency said.

Water containing two forms of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a chemical class used in certain cookware, carpets, packaging and more—will be restricted by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) will be limited to 18 parts per trillion, while perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) will be limited to 14 parts per trillion.

• Pennsylvania’s rules would surpass the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s current 70 parts per trillion standard for PFOS and PFOA ...