WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday designated two “forever chemicals” used in cookware, carpets and firefighting foam as hazardous substances.

Designation as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law doesn’t ban the chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS. But it requires that releases of the chemicals into soil or water be reported to federal, state or tribal officials if they meet or exceed specific levels.

The designation is intended to ensure more-efficient cleanup of the toxic compounds and require industries and others responsible for contamination to pay for removal.

EPA may require cleanup to protect public health and recover expense.

PFOA and PFOS are part of voluntary phase-out by U.S. manufacturers, but are in limited use and remain in the environment because they do not degrade over time. 

The compounds are part of a larger cluster, PFAS, which is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said designating the chemicals under the Superfund authority will allow EPA to address more contaminated sites, take earlier action and expedite cleanup.

American Chemistry Council, which represents the chemical industry, said it opposes EPA’s action, believing it will undermine overall remediation efforts for PFAS contamination.

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