Trump Administration’s Deregulation of Forever Chemicals Sparks Controversy
The Trump administration is poised to further deregulate “forever chemicals,” specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are persistent in the environment and have been linked to serious health risks, such as cancer and birth defects. This decision comes amidst heavy lobbying by industry interests, raising questions about public health.
Recent Developments in PFAS Regulation
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the leadership of Lee Zeldin, has moved to approve two PFAS-based pesticides for agricultural use. These pesticides are set for application on crops like tomatoes, peas, and lettuce. Despite clear evidence of harm associated with PFAS, the agency reassured the public through a newly created web page about its pesticide approval process.
Concerns from Experts
Nathan Donely, environmental health science director at the Center for Biological Diversity, voiced strong concerns. He described the approval of more PFAS pesticides as “absurdly shortsighted.” The long-term dangers of PFAS are well-documented, including:
- Cancer
- Heart damage
- Hormone disruption
- Liver issues
- Thyroid problems
- Immune system suppression
- Reproductive issues
- Abnormal fetal development
Legal and Financial Implications
As of 2023, over 9,500 lawsuits have been filed against companies for PFAS-related harms, resulting in nearly $17 billion in settlements across 140 industries. This statistic underscores the extensive legal repercussions surrounding these chemicals.
Proposed Changes to Reporting Requirements
The EPA is also considering relaxing a rule established during the Biden administration. This rule required companies to report data on all products containing PFAS. If the new proposal is enacted, businesses would no longer need to disclose the use of PFAS as minor ingredients or in research and development.
The agency justifies this relaxation by stating that it aims to streamline reporting regulations for businesses.
Public Health Initiatives and Lobbying Efforts
Although the Department of Health and Human Services expressed concern about pesticide dangers through its “Make Our Children Healthy Again” plan, it did not identify pesticide reduction as part of its public health solutions. This omission raises further concerns as PFAS regulation moves forward.
Meanwhile, disclosures indicate that several toxic chemical manufacturers actively lobbied the EPA concerning PFAS. The American Chemistry Council alone spent $600,000 lobbying the government on related issues last year.
As the EPA navigates the complex landscape of chemical regulation, the push for deregulation continues to ignite debate on the balance between industry interests and public safety.
