"The World Health Organization’s views on the risks of PFAS are fanning disputes about a draft EPA rule the White House is reviewing to set enforceable limits on two “forever chemicals” in drinking water.

The global health agency’s chemicals guidance seldom features in US policy debates, attorneys said. But they expect to bring this document to the White House’s attention as it reviews the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation rule (RIN: 2040-AG18) for both chemicals.

WHO’s draft guidance would allow vastly more perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in drinking water than the EPA has recommended.

The global health agency’s draft guidance recommends a limit of 100 parts per trillion (ppt) of either PFOA or PFOS in drinking water. It also recommends a total cap of 500 ppt for combinations of up to 30 PFAS. The guidance is open for comment through Nov. 11."

Pat Rizzuto reports for Bloomberg Environment October 19, 2022. [2]