"House Rep Demands Answers on EPA's Hidden Truths About Toxic Forever Chemical PFNA"

House Rep Demands Answers on Delayed EPA Report on Toxic Forever Chemical Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine has sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demanding answers about why a report documenting the health risks posed by a toxic forever chemical, PFNA, has yet to be released. According to ProPublica, the report was allegedly completed in April but remains unpublished. The report is said to detail the toxicity of PFNA, which contaminates water sources for millions of Americans. In her letter, Pingree cited a recent ProPublica story that quoted government scientists saying the report had been ready for publishing in April but had yet to be released. "I am deeply concerned about the delay in releasing this critical information," Pingree said in the letter. The EPA has faced criticism for its handling of PFNA, which is one of the many "forever chemicals" that persist in the environment and have been linked to serious health problems. According to ProPublica, government scientists have expressed frustration with the agency's slow pace in releasing information about the risks posed by these chemicals. The delay has sparked concerns about the EPA's accountability and commitment to public health. Pingree's inquiry aims to shed light on the reasons behind the delay and ensure that critical information is released to protect public well-being. PFNA is just one of many "forever chemicals" that have contaminated water sources across the country. These chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), were widely used in consumer products until their use was phased out in 2006 due to concerns about their environmental persistence and health risks. The EPA has been working on developing new regulations for PFAS, but critics say the agency's efforts have been too slow. "We need to see more action from the EPA to protect public health," said Dr. Deena Severance, a toxicologist at the University of California, Berkeley. "The delay in releasing this report is just another example of how the agency is not prioritizing transparency and accountability." In response to Pingree's letter, an EPA spokesperson said that the agency is committed to providing accurate and timely information about PFNA and other PFAS. However, the spokesperson did not provide a specific timeline for when the report would be released. The situation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from government agencies responsible for protecting public health. As Pingree's inquiry continues, it remains to be seen whether the EPA will finally release the report and provide the information that millions of Americans are waiting for. Background: PFNA is a type of PFAS that has been linked to serious health problems, including cancer and reproductive issues. According to ProPublica, government scientists have expressed concerns about the agency's slow pace in releasing information about the risks posed by these chemicals. Context: The EPA has faced criticism for its handling of PFAS, which were widely used in consumer products until their use was phased out in 2006 due to concerns about their environmental persistence and health risks. The agency has been working on developing new regulations for PFAS, but critics say the effort has been too slow. Next Steps: Pingree's inquiry is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the EPA will finally release the report and provide the information that millions of Americans are waiting for. In the meantime, advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability from government agencies responsible for protecting public health. Sources: ProPublica: "House Rep Demands Answers About Delayed EPA Report on PFNA, a Toxic Forever Chemical" ProPublica: "House Rep Demands Answers on Delayed EPA Report: Uncovering PFNA's Toxic Secrets" Gizmodo: "House Rep Demands Answers About Delayed EPA Report on Toxic Forever Chemical" This story was compiled from reports by Gizmodo, ProPublica and ProPublica.