Solutions to the PFAS Crisis
States are taking multiple actions to protect residents from downstream water testing and cleanup to upstream prevention. When states and cities move to prevent PFAS, they protect public health, support farmers and water systems, and avoid massive future cleanup liability. Adopting these initiatives will lead to a safer and healthier world for everyone.
Eliminate the use of PFAS and other harmful chemicals.
Safer States has developed model policies based on successful laws that are already being implemented in other states to eliminate PFAS and other harmful chemicals from consumer products including cookware, clothing, carpets, food packaging, toys, and menstrual products.
Set drinking water standards.
States should adopt Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) that mirror or exceed EPA’s 2024 standards to protect drinking water systems.
Designate PFAS as a hazardous substance.
Eight states have designated some or all PFAS as hazardous substances. Depending on your state, this designation can vary from guidance to clean-up standards, but doing so will help hold polluters accountable for their contamination.
Regulate industrial discharges of PFAS.
Industry regularly discharges PFAS into public waterways and the air. States have many tools available to regulate discharges including mandatory monitoring, establishing water quality standards and issuing conditional permits.
Address farmland contamination.
PFAS contamination of sludge, pesticides and irrigation water are serious threats to farmers. States like Maine have led with bans on sludge spreading, testing requirements, and programs that compensate impacted farmers. Learn more about their efforts here.
Hold polluters accountable.
More than 30 state Attorneys General are pursuing litigation to recover cleanup costs. Settlements to date are vastly insufficient to cover the cost of cleanup, underscoring the need for strong state polluter-pay policies.
Safer States can provide model policies that address the PFAS crisis.
