The Silent Threat of PFNA: A Deep Dive into ‘Forever Chemicals’

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), a member of the broader class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) known as “forever chemicals,” poses a significant and growing threat to public health. Unlike many pollutants, PFAS do not break down naturally, persisting in the environment – and within the human body – for extended periods. This persistence, coupled with widespread use in industrial and consumer products, has led to ubiquitous contamination of water sources, food supplies, and even human blood.

The recently completed EPA report, years in the making, meticulously examines the toxicity of PFNA, revealing potential links to a range of adverse health outcomes. Scientists found that exposure to PFNA can interfere with normal development, resulting in lower birth weights. Animal studies suggest further dangers, including liver damage and disruptions to the male reproductive system, specifically reductions in testosterone levels, sperm production, and organ size. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive regulation and remediation efforts.

The EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program, responsible for conducting this assessment, has a long history of providing independent, scientifically rigorous evaluations of chemical hazards. However, the program has faced increasing scrutiny and political pressure in recent years, particularly from industries with a vested interest in minimizing the perceived risks of PFAS. The delay in releasing the PFNA report raises serious questions about the agency’s commitment to protecting public health from these pervasive contaminants.

Did You Know? PFAS are found in a surprisingly wide range of everyday products, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, food packaging, and water-resistant clothing.

Industry Influence and Regulatory Rollbacks

The timing of the report’s delay is particularly concerning given the EPA’s recent announcement of its intention to reconsider existing drinking water limits for PFNA and other PFAS. These limits, established by the Biden administration, represent a crucial step towards safeguarding public health. Critics argue that suppressing the release of the IRIS assessment – which provides the scientific basis for these regulations – is a deliberate attempt to weaken environmental protections.

Lobbying records reveal that companies like Solvay Specialty Polymers (now Syensqo Specialty Polymers) have actively sought to influence EPA policy regarding PFAS. These efforts include lobbying against stricter drinking water standards and attempting to undermine the scientific integrity of the IRIS program. The “No IRIS Act,” currently under consideration in Congress, would further limit the EPA’s ability to use IRIS assessments in regulatory decision-making, effectively silencing a vital source of independent scientific advice.

The situation extends beyond PFNA. The EPA is also re-evaluating bans on other hazardous chemicals, such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), linked to serious health problems like Parkinson’s disease. These actions, coupled with the agency’s willingness to grant exemptions from pollution restrictions to companies that simply request them, paint a troubling picture of a regulatory landscape increasingly tilted in favor of industry interests.

What responsibility do corporations have to address the contamination caused by chemicals they knowingly released into the environment? And how can we ensure that scientific evidence, rather than political considerations, drives environmental policy?

The Human Cost of Chemical Contamination

The consequences of PFAS contamination are not abstract scientific concerns; they are real and deeply personal for communities across the country. In Merrimack, New Hampshire, residents have been grappling with PFNA contamination in their drinking water since 2016. Laurene Allen, a co-founder of the National PFAS Contamination Coalition, expresses frustration and outrage over the delayed release of the EPA report. “This is the suppression of information,” Allen stated. “We have the science, and it shouldn’t be obstructed.”

Legal battles are underway in states like New Jersey, where Solvay Specialty Polymers was ordered to pay over $393 million to address PFNA contamination at a plant in West Deptford. While these settlements represent a step towards accountability, they often fall short of fully compensating communities for the long-term health and economic impacts of PFAS exposure. The fight for clean water and environmental justice continues.

Pro Tip: You can check your local drinking water quality using the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Tap Water Database: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/

The future of the IRIS program itself hangs in the balance. Once a beacon of independent scientific assessment, the program has been significantly downsized under recent administrations. Many dedicated scientists have been reassigned or have left the agency altogether, raising concerns about its long-term viability. The dismantling of IRIS represents a broader trend of eroding scientific expertise within the EPA, potentially jeopardizing the agency’s ability to effectively protect public health.

Frequently Asked Questions About PFNA and PFAS

• What is PFNA and why is it considered a “forever chemical”?

  PFNA, or perfluorononanoic acid, is a type of PFAS that doesn’t break down in the environment or the human body, leading to its classification as a “forever chemical.” This persistence allows it to accumulate over time, posing long-term health risks.

• What are the potential health effects of PFNA exposure?

  Exposure to PFNA has been linked to lower birth weights, liver damage, and reproductive issues in males, including reduced testosterone levels and sperm production. Further research is ongoing to fully understand the range of potential health effects.

• Why is the EPA delaying the release of the PFNA assessment report?

  The reasons for the delay are unclear, but concerns have been raised about potential political interference and a desire to avoid information that could strengthen the case for stricter drinking water standards.

• What is the role of the IRIS program in regulating PFAS?

  The IRIS program conducts independent scientific assessments of chemical hazards, providing the EPA with crucial information for setting regulatory limits and protecting public health. Its assessments are highly respected by environmental experts worldwide.

• How can I find out if my drinking water is contaminated with PFAS?

  You can check your local drinking water quality using resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Tap Water Database (https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/) or by contacting your local water utility.

• What is being done to address PFAS contamination in the United States?

  Efforts to address PFAS contamination include setting drinking water limits, requiring cleanup of contaminated sites, and phasing out the use of PFAS in certain products. However, more comprehensive action is needed to fully protect public health.