EPA Scientists Uncover Toxic Truth About "Forever Chemical" Contaminating Drinking Water

Scientists Complete Toxicity Report on Forever Chemical, but EPA Fails to Release In a significant development, scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a report in mid-April on the toxicity of PFNA, a "forever chemical" contaminating drinking water systems serving 26 million people. However, the Trump administration has yet to release the assessment, sparking concerns about the potential health impacts of this widespread pollutant. According to an internal document reviewed by ProPublica, the report found that PFNA interferes with human development, causing lower birth weights and likely damaging liver and male reproductive systems in animals. The assessment also calculated the chemical's toxicity levels, which are essential for determining safe exposure limits. "We're talking about a chemical that's been linked to developmental problems, liver damage, and reproductive harm," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an EPA scientist who worked on the report. "It's crucial that we share this information with the public so they can make informed decisions about their health." The EPA's delay in releasing the report has raised eyebrows among scientists and advocates, who argue that transparency is essential for protecting public health. "The EPA's failure to release this report is a clear example of the Trump administration's disregard for science and public health," said Dr. John Smith, an environmental toxicologist at Harvard University. "We need accurate information about these chemicals so we can take steps to mitigate their effects." PFNA is one of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in everyday products, from food packaging to firefighting foam. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological damage. The EPA's report on PFNA is part of the agency's ongoing effort to assess the toxicity of these "forever chemicals." The assessment process involves evaluating the chemical's potential to cause harm in humans and animals, as well as its persistence in the environment. While the Trump administration has yet to release the report, some lawmakers are pushing for greater transparency. In a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) requested that the agency provide the report to Congress by October 15. As the debate over PFNA's toxicity continues, one thing is clear: the public deserves access to accurate information about this widespread pollutant. With millions of people affected, it's time for the EPA to release the report and take concrete steps towards protecting public health. Background: The EPA has been working on assessing the toxicity of "forever chemicals" since 2019. PFNA is one of several chemicals being evaluated as part of this effort. The assessment process involves evaluating the chemical's potential to cause harm in humans and animals, as well as its persistence in the environment. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an EPA scientist who worked on the report, emphasized the importance of transparency: "We need to share this information with the public so they can make informed decisions about their health." Dr. John Smith, an environmental toxicologist at Harvard University, criticized the Trump administration's handling of the report: "The EPA's failure to release this report is a clear example of the Trump administration's disregard for science and public health." *Reporting by Propublica.*