The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responded to concerns over the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plastic containers by granting a petition that aims to address the issue.  

The petition has been submitted by a coalition of environmental and public health groups, including the Center for Environmental Health, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Clean Water Action, and others. 

The petitioners also include Clean Cape Fear, Alaska Community Action on Toxics and Delaware Riverkeeper, and Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water.  

Three specific PFAS compounds have been targeted, namely perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorodecanoic acid, which are found during the fluorination process of plastic containers. 

These substances are said to be present in containers used for a range of products, from household consumer goods to industrial applications.  

Concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with these long-chain PFAS, which can accumulate in the human body and the environment. 

According to the EPA, exposure to these chemicals can cause cancers, affect the liver and heart, as well as immune and developmental impacts on infants and children. 

The EPA's action is in line with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to tackle the health and environmental impacts of PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals'.  

The agency's recent inclusion of PFOA and PFNA in the national drinking water standard for PFAS, and the designation of PFOA as a hazardous substance under the Superfund bill, underscore the gravity of the situation. 

This development follows a decision by the US Food and Drug Administration in February, which saw the discontinuation of sales in the US for materials containing PFAS used in food packaging for grease proofing.