Latest news with #PFOA
Associated Press
a day ago
- Health
- Associated Press
New EPA PFAS Standards Aim to Reduce Exposure—But Impact Will Vary by Community
New national PFAS limits mark progress, but Legal Claim Assistant warns that many communities face delays in cleanup and support. 'The EPA's rules are vital, but millions were exposed long before they existed—legal guidance is still essential.'— Sarah Miller, Legal Assistant at Legal Claim Assistant MIAMI, FLORIDA, FL, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2025 / / -- In a landmark move, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized national drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds in April 2024. The regulations mark the first enforceable federal limits for these so-called 'forever chemicals,' and communities across the country are now grappling with what these changes mean in practice. Legal Claim Assistant is tracking the rollout and its implications, especially for individuals already facing health concerns after prolonged PFAS exposure. While the new guidelines represent a major policy shift, advocates caution that implementation timelines, funding challenges, and regional disparities may limit the short-term impact for some communities. 'The new EPA rules are a critical step forward, but real change will depend on how quickly and thoroughly states and utilities act,' says Sarah Miller, Legal Assistant at Legal Claim Assistant. 'For many residents, the damage from years of exposure has already occurred.' What the New Guidelines Include The EPA now limits two well-known PFAS chemicals—PFOA and PFOS—to 4 parts per trillion (ppt) in drinking water. Four additional PFAS compounds are regulated using a Hazard Index, which accounts for cumulative health risks from combined exposure. Water utilities will have until 2029 to comply with these standards, with some early deadlines beginning in 2027 for monitoring and public reporting. The rule is expected to affect thousands of water systems, particularly those near military bases, industrial facilities, and airports where firefighting foam has historically been used. What It Means for Affected Residents Communities with long-standing PFAS contamination may finally see federal support for testing and remediation. However, individuals with serious health diagnoses potentially linked to PFAS—such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, or thyroid disorders—may still face uncertain futures. 'Even with these new limits, people who were exposed years ago may already be dealing with the consequences,' Miller adds. 'Understanding your rights and legal options remains critical.' Legal Claim Assistant offers resources and legal referral services to help affected residents navigate the complex intersection of public health, environmental regulation, and liability law. Federal vs. Local Response While the EPA has set nationwide limits, the implementation will still rely heavily on state and local coordination. Funding challenges, infrastructure limitations, and ongoing litigation could delay cleanup efforts in certain areas. Legal experts note that the EPA's action may also influence current and future lawsuits by providing a federally recognized threshold for harmful PFAS exposure. About Legal Claim Assistant Legal Claim Assistant is a referral platform that connects individuals exposed to environmental hazards with experienced law firms across the United States. The organization provides informational support, free case evaluations, and guidance to help people understand their legal rights. 📞 Contact: Legal Claim Assistant [email protected] Nicky de Man Legal Claim Assistant Inc +1 888-651-1065 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Fashion Value Chain
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
TTK Prestige Launches Ceraglide Duo Ceramic Cookware Range
TTK Prestige, a leader in innovative kitchen solutions, has unveiled its latest offering: the Ceraglide Duo Ceramic Cookware. This newly launched range merges sleek aesthetics with advanced functionality, catering to the evolving needs of both home cooks and professional chefs. The Ceraglide Duo is engineered for high-heat performance and quick heating, making everyday cooking more efficient. Its ceramic coating is free from harmful PFOA and PFAS chemicals, ensuring a safer and healthier alternative to conventional non-stick cookware. Built with an extra-tough protective layer, the cookware resists wear, fading, and everyday damage, resulting in long-term durability. Adaptable for both gas and induction cooktops, Ceraglide Duo enhances user safety with cool-touch handles that prevent burns. Its smooth, non-stick surface also ensures easy cleanup with minimal residue or staining, offering an optimal blend of practicality and hygiene. The comprehensive Ceraglide Duo collection includes a versatile range of cookware essentials—fry pans, kadais, saucepans, casseroles, woks, and omni tawas—designed to handle everything from deep-frying to simmering and dosa preparation. With accessible pricing, the collection makes premium ceramic cookware available to a broad consumer base. Pricing details: Fry pans (18–28 cm): ₹840–₹1515 MRP Kadais (24–30 cm): ₹1850–₹2550 MRP Saucepan (16 cm): ₹1355 MRP Casseroles (20 & 24 cm): ₹1875–₹2150 MRP Omni tawas (25 & 28 cm): ₹1155–₹1380 MRP With a longstanding focus on innovation, TTK Prestige continues to redefine the kitchen experience. The Ceraglide Duo exemplifies the brand's dedication to combining style, safety, and superior performance—ideal for every culinary style and everyday use.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 84p supplement that can ‘FLUSH out cancer-causing microplastics' revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CHEAP supplement made from oats could help flush deadly "forever chemicals" from your body, US scientists have found. These toxic substances - known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) - are found in non-stick pans, food wrappers, plastic containers and even stain-proof carpets. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Oat beta-glucan fibre could help flush deadly 'forever chemicals' from your body Credit: Getty They build up in the body over time and have been linked to cancer, infertility, liver damage and hormone disruption. But a new study by researchers at Boston University suggests a simple dietary fibre could help reduce PFAS levels in the blood. In the trial, 42 men were given 1g of oat beta-glucan fibre, a soluble oat bran fibre before every meal for four weeks. Another 30 took a placebo made from rice. The fibre is found naturally in oats, mushrooms and seeds. After a month, blood tests showed the fibre group had an 8 per cent drop in two of the most dangerous forms of PFAS: PFOA and PFOS, both linked to cancer and hormone disruption. Scientists believe the fibre works by binding to bile in the gut, which PFAS attach to, and helping excrete it all through poo, rather than letting it seep into the bloodstream. The study, published in Environmental Health, in March 2025, is the first real evidence that something as simple as oat fibre could help clear out chemicals once thought to stay in the body for decades. But PFAS take years to break down, so longer studies are needed to confirm how effective fibre is in the long term. Experts also warned not all fibre works the same - beta-glucan is the key type used in the trial. Previous research has shown that the fibre can also support heart health by lowering cholesterol. What are PFAS? Like other forms of fibre it it also helps ease constipation by keeping bowels moving and reduces the risk of bowel cancer. More than 90 per cent of adults in the UK don't eat enough fibre, according to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), with NHS guidelines recommending 30g of fibre a day. 2 The supplement is found naturally in oats Credit: Getty Oat beta-glucan supplements are available in the UK from health shops and online, often marketed for heart health or cholesterol. You'll need around 3g per day to match the study dose, typically taken as 1g before each meal. Holland and Barrett are selling a 14-day supply of Oatwell Original Oat Bran Powder with Beta-Glucan for £10.12 - which works out to 84p per dose.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Toxic forever chemicals in the blood of most Aussies as researchers uncover EPA testing gap for potential polluters
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has published new data revealing forever chemicals are in the blood of most Australians. These PFAS chemicals, which can accumulate in the body over a lifetime, are linked to cancer — but researchers have also now linked high PFAS concentrations in a Sydney drinking water catchment to sewage sources that the EPA does not test. Detectable levels of the three most prevalent PFAS chemicals — PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS — were found in 85 per cent of the biomedical samples given to the ABS, it said on Tuesday. That data comes just days after Western Sydney University researchers published their own alarming findings about PFAS in Sydney's waterways. 'Essentially, we wanted to look at potential contributors to PFAS in our aquatic ecosystems and were very interested in sewage treatment plants that discharge into Sydney's drinking water catchment,' lead study author Katherine Warwick told The study, built on Warwick's 2024 research, looked into nine dead PFOS-contaminated platypus found in the Warragamba catchment. The Warragamba catchment supplies about 80 per cent of Sydney's water, which is consumed by over five million people. For her latest study, Warwick and her team tested water at sewage treatment plants which pump their treated wastewater back into that catchment, and the researchers found a concerning build-up of PFAS in sediment downstream from the outfalls. 'While PFAS may not be detected in high concentrations in the sewage outfall, it can build up in the downstream sediment, which can pose ecological risks to aquatic wildlife and potentially enter our drinking water supply,' Warwick told 'Currently, these sewage treatment plants are not required to test or monitor for PFAS in either the water or the sediment, and so this issue is largely going undetected.' NSW EPA confirmed it does not currently test for PFAS in the wastewater pumped out into rivers and streams by the sewage treatment plants. But they said that wheels have been in motion to do so for several months. 'As part of the implementation of the revised PFAS National Environmental Management Plan, the EPA has commenced a process to include PFAS monitoring on sewage treatment plant (STP) licences,' the spokesperson said. 'We have commenced targeted engagement on the implementation of monitoring conditions consistent with the NEMP, which was released in March. 'We have also commenced public consultation on our statutory five-yearly review of Sydney Water's STP licences, including on the level of treatment required at STPs. Public submissions close on 12 June 2025 and feedback will inform future licence changes.' Thorough investigation recommended PFAS was not the only pollutant that Warwick's study tested for in the water by sewage treatment plants serving Lithgow, Goulburn, Mittagong, Moss Vale, and Bowral — it also tested for metals, nitrogen and phosphorus. 'The concentration of these pollutants generally exceeded recommended NSW Government catchment guidelines in rivers downstream of the sewage treatment plant outfalls,' the study said. And while PFAS levels measured in running water from the sewage treatment plant outfalls were generally below Australian guideline values, it did found PFAS sediment bioaccumulation areas in water nearby. 'We suggest consideration should be given to establishing effluent disposal licence requirements that impose concentration limits and require the regular measurement of PFAS,' the study said. Sewage treatment plants are not the only possible source of PFAS in the catchment — landfills, or and run off from fire training locations where the chemicals in firefighting foam, could also be at fault. The study recommended that 'the source and concentration of PFAS in Warragamba catchment STPs and rivers is thoroughly investigated over an extended period of time.' Sydney Water does test for PFAS in its drinking water, but asserts that there is a safe level of PFAS that can be consumed daily. Australian standards lag behind the US, where a new safety standard would deem some Sydney drinking water unsafe based on 2024 data. An expert previously told that Australian drinking water standards are an 'international embarrassment'. Warragamba Dam was just one of the places where the 2024 testing by Sydney Water found controversial levels of PFAS in the drinking water. The highest levels were detected at Cascade Dam in Blackheath and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Toxic national blood findings There were 11 different types of PFAS that the ABS sought to detect in the blood of the Australians over the age of 12, for its National Health Measures Survey. ABS head of health statistics James Eynstone-Hinkins said that the data is will work 'to create a national baseline for levels of PFAS in the Australian population' and 'support further research into PFAS and the potential impacts of these chemicals on human health.' It will allow the nation to monitor the levels of PFAS in Australians in the future, he said. While the 85 per cent of Australians were found to contain a combination of the three most common PFAS chemicals, the most common of the three, PFOS, was found in 99.1 per cent of men, and 98.3 per cent of women. Two of the other types of PFAS, that the ABS was testing for, were detected in Aussie blood samples at rates between 15 per cent and 45 per cent. Six other types of PFAS were also detected in less than 10 per cent of people. Older people were found to have higher levels of PFAS in general, despite varying levels among survey respondents 'This was in line with expectations as there have been changes in the population's exposure to PFAS over time,' Eynstone-Hinkins said. 'PFAS levels were also generally higher for males than for females.'
The Star
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Eat fibre to lower PFAS levels in the body
A diet rich in fibre offers many health benefits, including reducing the levels of PFAS, or forever chemicals, in the body, new research suggests. A diet rich in fibre could help reduce levels of toxic PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) – otherwise known as "forever chemicals' – in the body, according to two recent US studies involving mice and a small group of humans. The scourge of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and environmental associations alike, PFAS are virtually unavoidable. Composed of a powerful combination of carbon and fluorine that makes them highly resistant, PFAS exist in their thousands, and are known as forever chemicals because of the very long time they take to degrade (hundreds, even thousands of years). They are found in many everyday products, like paints, varnishes, pesticides, textiles, food packaging, waterproofing, Teflon coatings, toilet paper, etc. And this is not without consequences. Considered to be endocrine disruptors, PFAS are increasingly highlighted in scientific literature as risk factors for human health. In particular, they are thought to be linked to certain cancers (testicular, breast, kidney). Significant and prolonged exposure to PFAS can also promote obesity, raise cholesterol levels and cause complications during pregnancy, particularly an increased risk of miscarriage or high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia). The more PFAS we ingest, the more problematic they can become. Several scientific studies have shown that certain foods, such as fish and seafood, contain high levels of PFAS. This is particularly true of shrimp and lobster, according to an American study published in April 2024, as well as eels, according to research carried out in the Netherlands, published in 2019. But it seems that there are other foods that could help reduce levels of forever chemicals in the body. This is the case of fibre-rich foods, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Health . Researchers at Boston University in the United States collected blood samples from 72 men living in Canada, from a clinical trial testing the efficacy of a dietary fibre-based intervention to reduce cholesterol. The researchers re-analysed these samples – this time to determine whether the blood was contaminated with PFAS. After four weeks of observation, the researchers found that eating fibre-rich foods was associated with a reduction in PFOS (perfluorooctane sulphonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) – two of the most widespread and dangerous types of forever chemicals – in the participants' blood. One of the explanations put forward by the study's authors to explain this phenomenon is that dietary fibre favours the formation of a protective gel that lines the gut, potentially hindering the absorption of these chemicals. Another study, published December 2024 by the same team of scientists – this time involving mice – came to a similar conclusion. "This observation suggests that a sustained dietary fibre intervention may reduce long-chain PFAS body burden, but future intervention studies need to control for PFAS exposure sources and extend the dietary supplement intake beyond four weeks," the researchers caution. In any case, fibre-rich foods such as fruit (especially dried fruit), vegetables, wholegrain cereals, legumes and nuts, have many proven health benefits: they are known to regulate appetite, improve intestinal transit, strengthen the microbiota, reduce blood sugar peaks and reduce the risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease. – AFP Relaxnews
