EPA Releases Updated PFBS Toxicity Assessment

EPA has released an updated toxicity assessment for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), one of the six PFAS that was monitored by drinking water systems for the Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. The Biden administration determined that the previous PFBS toxicity assessment released on January 19, 2021 was compromised by political interference and undertook a rigorous scientific review to update the PFBS assessment with EPA career scientists and external peer reviewers. The toxicity assessment provides a summary of potential health effects and identifies dose levels at which they may occur for calculating toxicity values. States and federal agencies can use the PFBS toxicity assessment for making decisions to address potential health risks associated with human exposures. PFBS has been found in drinking water, surface water, wastewater, dust, carpeting and carpet cleaners, and floor wax. For more information, read the press release and visit EPA’s website.