WHO to Overhaul PFAS Drinking Water Guidelines Amidst Criticism

The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to revise its controversial guidelines on PFAS chemicals in drinking water following significant backlash from independent scientists and allegations of industry influence. The guidelines, originally proposed in 2022, were criticized for being too lenient, particularly in comparison to stricter limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune disorders. The EPA has determined that no level of exposure to PFAS in drinking water is safe, setting its limits at an ultra-low four parts per trillion (ppt). In contrast, the WHO's draft guidelines proposed limits of 100 ppt, which sparked concern among environmental experts and water safety advocates.