Water Quality Association Supports Federal Effort To Address PFCs

EPA launches cross-agency initiative with state, local and tribal partners

The Water Quality Association (WQA) is supporting efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) such as PFOA and PFOS and their impact on drinking water.

In a news release, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said his agency was launching a cross-agency effort, “…to ensure that communities across the country have the tools they need to address these chemicals.”

“We are fully supportive of Administrator Pruitt’s efforts,” said WQA Government Affairs Director David Loveday. “This is a growing problem nationwide that needs the full attention of policy makers at all levels.”

Last month, Congress included a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that authorizes a nationwide health study on the implications of PFCs on drinking water. The bill is headed to the President’s desk for his signature.

What are Poly Fluorinated Chemicals (including PFOA and PFOS)?
PFCs are man-made. They are used in a broad range of applications including fire-fighting foams, non-stick coatings, food packaging and many other industries.

What are the potential health effects from PFOA and PFOS?
Studies have found PFOA and PFOS in the blood samples of the general human population and wildlife nationwide. Studies also indicate that continued exposure to low levels of PFOA in drinking water may result in adverse health effects. These chemicals bioaccumulate in living organisms compounding the exposure and potential impacts on human health.

Residents should have their drinking water tested through a certified water-testing laboratory. Homeowners can check with the Water Quality Association at http://www.wqa.org to find a water quality professional or connect with a certified testing lab through the USEPA (http://water.epa.gov/scitech/drinkingwater/labcert/statecertification.cfm).

About WQA
WQA is a not-for-profit trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. Since 1959, the WQA Gold Seal certification program has been certifying products that contribute to the safe consumption of water. The WQA Gold Seal program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).