Former Staff Show How Trump Acted to Upend EPA’s Mission and “Make America Sicker” – Mother Jones

Toxic Legacy: How Weakened Regulations Are Exposing Americans to Dangerous Chemicals

A new report from the Environmental Protection Network (EPN) warns that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has abandoned its core mission of protecting public health and the environment. The report details how recent EPA decisions have relaxed restrictions on harmful chemicals, increasing Americans’ exposure to a range of pollutants.

The “Terrible Toxics” List: What’s at Stake?

The EPN report, titled “Terrible Toxics,” identifies twelve high-risk pollutants receiving new life due to weakened, delayed, or rescinded regulations. These include brain-damaging mercury and pesticides in food, hormone-bending phthalates in consumer products, and cancer-causing PFAS “forever chemicals,” lead, arsenic, and trichloroethylene in drinking water. The list also encompasses carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, and vinyl chloride in the air, alongside heart- and lung-damaging soot and smog.

PFAS Contamination: A Growing Crisis

PFAS chemicals are particularly concerning, contaminating nearly half of all drinking water across the country. Scientists with the US Geological Survey reported this in a 2023 study. Nearly all Americans, including babies, have PFAS in their blood. Companies handling PFAS have been granted more leeway although the EPA delays safeguards and withholds science data.

The Erosion of EPA Oversight

Experts warn that the EPA is becoming less transparent, making it difficult to understand the full scope of exposure risks. Getting information from the EPA is now described as “like pulling teeth.” The agency has abandoned its oversight duty and is failing to inform Americans about the chemicals impacting their health. EPA officials have delayed deadlines for prohibiting companies from discharging PFAS into waterways and removing the chemicals from tap water.

The Impact on Public Health

Health professionals are already seeing the consequences of these rollbacks. Increased soot in the air is linked to more children treated for asthma and lung diseases. Higher lead levels can cause developmental and behavioral problems in children. Exposure to benzene is associated with blood cancers, while trichloroethylene can contribute to kidney and liver cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and fetal heart defects.

Regulatory Rollbacks and Industry Influence

The EPA has revoked the endangerment finding, the basis for regulating greenhouse gases as a public health threat, and removed protections for wetlands and other waterways under the Clean Water Act. The agency has also proposed exempting importers from PFAS reporting requirements, leaving consumers unaware of the chemicals in the products they buy.

What Can Be Done?

Experts suggest several steps to address the escalating health risks. Congress could legislate to reinstate the endangerment finding and restore protections for waterways. A change in administration could prioritize replacing staff fired during the current administration. Consumers can grab individual steps, such as using certified filters to reduce PFAS in drinking water.

The Role of Transparency and Scientific Integrity

Restoring transparency and scientific integrity within the EPA is crucial. The agency needs to follow the science and ensure that polluting companies adhere to safeguards that prioritize public health. Monitoring and documenting the health consequences of regulatory rollbacks will be essential to prevent similar mistakes in the future.

FAQ: Understanding the Risks

• What are PFAS? PFAS are a class of chemicals that do not naturally break down in the environment and accumulate in the body.
• What are the health effects of PFAS exposure? PFAS exposure has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental issues.
• What is the EPA doing about PFAS? The EPA has delayed deadlines for regulating PFAS and has granted waivers to companies, raising concerns about increased exposure.
• How can I reduce my exposure to PFAS? Using certified water filters and avoiding products containing PFAS can help reduce exposure.

Learn more about PFAS contamination in North Georgia: PFAS Georgia

Explore related reporting: Sign up for the Mother Jones Daily newsletter.