North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico push for PFAS air pollution regulations

Three states in the U.S. have formally requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate certain PFAS compounds as hazardous air pollutants. This petition follows a Guardian investigation revealing that a Chemours plant in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is likely emitting higher levels of PFAS into the air than previously reported. The air pollution from this facility is believed to contribute to widespread contamination of soil, water, and food supplies in the surrounding areas. The states involved—North Carolina, New Jersey, and New Mexico—highlight the urgent need for federal regulations, as current laws primarily address water pollution. The petition specifically calls for the regulation of four PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and GenX. These chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and their association with serious health issues, including cancer and kidney disease. Evidence presented in the petition indicates a direct link between air emissions from the Chemours plant and contamination of private drinking water wells in a 27-square-mile area. Additionally, GenX was detected in rainwater 90 miles away, further suggesting the extent of air pollution. Despite the EPA's recent actions to limit PFAS in drinking water, there are no existing laws mandating the reduction of air emissions from the Chemours facility or other similar polluters. Advocates argue that the petition is a necessary step towards addressing the public health crisis posed by PFAS. They urge the EPA to take swift action to classify the entire class of PFAS as hazardous air pollutants, emphasizing the need for comprehensive regulations to protect communities from these toxic chemicals.