CDC picks eight communities to study drinking water contamination

Federal officials have finalized plans for the start of a new study on people exposed to chemicals known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in drinking water. The chemicals — used in everything from pizza boxes to fire retardants — are tied to an increased risk of low birth weight, cancer, and other health harms. There are particularly high levels near military bases and fire stations. The CDC has picked eight communities near current or former military installations for a study to assess PFAS levels among residents. The project, which will start this year, comes ahead of a planned study on PFAS and health outcomes. 

The news follows a long-awaited EPA proposal to tackle PFAS contamination. The EPA currently doesn’t regulate the chemicals, but announced last week it’ll start the rule-making process by the end of the year to set national limits on PFAS in drinking water. The proposal quickly drew criticism from activists and Democratic lawmakers who said the so-called action plan didn't include any immediate action.