Federal Spotlight: EPA Issues Interim PFAS Advisories

Last week, EPA issued interim updated drinking water health advisories for perfluorooctanioc acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) that replaced those issued in 2016. PFOA and PFOS are part of a chemical group called PFAS. These interim health advisories will remain in place until EPA establishes a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

At the same time, EPA also issued final health advisories for two other PFAS, perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its potassium salt (PFBS) and for hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) dimer acid and its ammonium salt (“GenX chemicals”). GenX chemicals are considered a replacement for PFOA, and PFBS is considered a replacement for PFOS. Below are the new interim and final life-time health advisories.

Interim Health Advisory Levels:

• PFOS: 0.02 ppt or ng/L
• PFOA: 0.004 ppt or ng/l
• Final Health Advisory Levels:
• PFBS: 2,000 ppt or ng/L
• HFPO-DA (GenX): 10 ppt or ng/L

EPA is also set to unveil proposed regulations around PFAS by the end of this year with a final rule slated for 2023. Read more here.