… We’re talking about PFAS, or so-called “forever chemicals” that don’t break down in nature. They can build up in the body over time and may lead to health issues like cancer, weakened immune systems and decreased fertility. So far, Utah is in a “really good spot,” said John Steffan, emerging contaminants manager with the Utah Division of Drinking Water. And more funding for testing and treatment could be on the way. Drinking water is one of the main ways people are exposed to PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, said Cyrus Western, Region 8 administrator at the EPA. The agency recently announced $9.4 million for Utah to help water systems serving 10,000 or fewer people get a sense of what they’re dealing with.

Other PFAS news:

• Arizona Daily Star (Tucson): Arizona gets $20M to clean up drinking water
• National Law Review: Blog: EPA proposes changes to PFAS drinking water rules
• CalMatters: Opinion: Peaches, pears and PFAS — California lawmakers may limit ‘forever’ pesticides in foods
• The Guardian: Opinion: Why Trump administration’s plan to attempt to destroy PFAS is ‘nonsenscial’