EPA Proposes Stricter Regulations On 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Everyday Plastic Containers

Anyone who has taken a stroll along a Florida beach has likely encountered plastic littering the shoreline — and that is just the beginning. Plastic pollution and "forever chemicals" are spreading across the globe, seeping into the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.

​Thankfully, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing taking action against certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," found in fluorinated plastic containers. These toxic substances, known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, are inadvertently formed during the fluorination process used to make high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and other plastics more durable.

The EPA announced its effort to regulate PFAS under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) following a petition submitted by environmental advocacy groups earlier this year. The petition, granted by the EPA in July 2024, urged the agency to address chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), which are formed during the fluorination of plastic containers used for household, industrial, and agricultural products.

In a move to better understand the scope of the issue, the EPA is now soliciting public input on the manufacturing, use, and potential alternatives to these chemicals. Officials are particularly interested in identifying the number and location of fluorinated plastic containers in the United States, their critical uses in areas such as healthcare and national security, and safer alternatives to the fluorination process.

The agency also seeks insight into the measures that could mitigate risks associated with these chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, hormonal disruption, and immune system damage. EPA officials stress the importance of scientific data in guiding their next steps.

Public comments are being accepted until November 29, 2024, via the federal docket at regulations.gov. The EPA has asked commenters to provide as much detailed information as possible, including supporting data.

PFAS, dubbed "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment, have increasingly come under scrutiny as their presence in consumer products and industrial processes becomes more widely understood. The agency has highlighted its commitment to addressing risks associated with these substances, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental and human health concerns with the economic implications of regulatory actions.

Once the public comment period closes, the EPA will evaluate the feedback to determine the best course of action, which may include restrictions or bans on the use and disposal of PFAS-containing containers. The agency has acknowledged the potential challenges in regulating these widely used chemicals but views the effort as a critical step toward reducing public and environmental exposure.

For additional information, the EPA encourages individuals to contact their TSCA Hotline or visit the agency’s website for guidance on submitting comments. This latest action marks a significant step in the federal government’s broader effort to address the risks posed by PFAS and other hazardous substances.