Lawmakers set out to tackle tainted drinking water

House lawmakers are forming a new task force to look into drinking water contaminated with chemicals known as PFAS. The chemicals — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — have been used in a slew of products, including firefighting foams. That's led to groundwater contamination near airports and military bases where firefighters are trained, according to the EPA. Waste from chemical manufacturing plants can also contaminate groundwater. Research has tied PFAS to reproductive problems, low birth rates, and other health issues. The bipartisan group of lawmakers behind the task force say they'll push to accelerate cleanup efforts and urge the EPA to classify PFAS as hazardous substances.