ASDWA Comments on EPA Draft IRIS Toxicological Review of PFBA

On October 19, ASDWA submitted comments to EPA on the “Availability of the Draft IRIS Toxicological Review of Perfluorobutanoic Acid and Related Compound Ammonium Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA).” The comments highlight the value to state drinking program administrators (as co-regulators) of EPA issuing toxicity assessments versus the value of developing health advisories or regulatory standards for unregulated contaminants such as PFAS. The letter provides recommendations for prioritizing PFAS for future toxicity assessments based on the prevalence of the compounds throughout the U.S., their potential health impacts, current state regulations and guidance for the compounds, and input from stakeholders. Compared to the other PFAS that EPA is currently developing toxicity assessments for, PFBA does not appear to be concerning for drinking water and should not be at the top of EPA’s priority list. In this regard, ASDWA’s comments specifically recommend that PFHpA should be prioritized and added to the list of seven compounds (PFBS, PFBA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFNA, PFDA, and HFPO-DA (GenX)) that EPA has developed and/or is developing toxicity assessments for. The letter also reiterates the need for EPA provide health effects information and risk communication messaging in conjunction with, and in addition to, the release of toxicity assessments for PFBA and other PFAS in a timely manner. For more information, read the letter here.