Comment submitted by Cynthia Walter
AnonymousOpposeAcademic
Summary: A scientist with 35 years of experience in toxicology and pollution research opposes the extension of the compliance deadline for PFOA and PFOS. The commenter argues that the US should accelerate restrictions on PFAS to protect public health, reduce long-term costs, and maintain the competitiveness of American products in international markets.
EPA-HQ-OW-2025-1742
I strongly oppose this proposed action. The US should not delay restrictions on PFAS compounds, especially the ones listed. Instead, government agencies should be accelerating work to restrict the use and contamination of our land and water from PFAS compounds. I am a scientist with 35 years of experience teaching toxicology and doing research on pollution problems and solutions. The scientific literature is clear that a wide range of PFAS compounds alone and in combination have profound harmful impacts on people and our food supply and water resources. We have only begun to understand the harm from these persistent chemicals. These problems cost citizens their own money and government funds now and for many years to come. The sooner we restrict more PFAS substances, the sooner we lower the costs of these negative impacts. Also, when we delay implementing restrictions on PFAS, we hurt US businesses abroad. Other nations will not buy our products if they fear they are contaminated with PFAS. Finally, finding less toxic, substitutions for PFAS chemicals is good business, and something American companies can sell to other nations - these nations are often ahead of the US in their PFAS restrictions.
thank you for considering my comments.