EPA Eyes Carpet Chemicals A significant new use final rule targets PFAS substances found in imported carpets

摘要

THE U.S.Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)continues to regulate"forever chemicals,"named such for their persistence and risk to the environment and health.On July 27,2020,the EPA issued a long-awaited final rule amending significant new use rules(SNUR)issued earlier on such chemicals- one pertinent to certain perfluoroalkyl sulfonate chemical substances and the other on long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylate(LCPFAC)chemical substances.To some,the final rule reflects comments on the proposed rule issued five years ago;to others,the rule weakens to the public's detriment a proposal the Obama Administration issued.This article discusses the rule and its implications.