Trump Admin Quietly Reverses Ban on Toxic Forever Chemicals
The Trump administration’s plan to overturn hundreds of state-level bans on toxic chemicals, including PFAS, would significantly increase public exposure to substances linked to various health problems. This is achieved by altering the EPA’s chemical risk evaluation process, effectively preempting state laws and potentially negating federal prohibitions like the upcoming asbestos ban. The revised evaluation method focuses on individual chemical uses rather than the overall risk, allowing manufacturers to claim minimal risk due to low concentrations in individual products, despite significant cumulative exposure. Opponents argue this undermines state efforts to protect public health and could severely hamper the progress made in reducing exposure to these dangerous chemicals.
John Q. Hosedrinker