PFAS Health Study Shows Risks as US EPA Considers Rollbacks; EU Launches Dialogue

The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released its Multi‑Site PFAS Health Study, the largest clinical investigation of communities with PFAS‑contaminated drinking water. Conducted at eight sites in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the study measured blood and urine markers, thyroid function, liver enzymes, immune cell counts, blood pressure and, for children, neurobehavioral performance. Results confirmed elevated PFAS serum levels were associated with thyroid hormone disruption, early liver toxicity, reduced vaccine antibody response, glycemic irregularities, higher blood pressure and modest but significant deficits in attention and processing speed among children.

The findings appear as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to roll back enforceable drinking‑water limits for four PFAS chemicals and extend compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS. Public comment on the proposal is open until July 20, 2026, with a hearing slated for July 7.

In Europe, EU Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall scheduled a high‑level dialogue on June 15, 2026, bringing together NGOs, affected communities, researchers, water‑treatment operators and PFAS producers to discuss pollution clean‑up, transition away from “forever chemicals,” and business opportunities. Roswall said, “PFAS pollution is an immense challenge that needs to be addressed collectively… we need to protect our environment, the health of current and future generations and provide regulatory clarity.” The EU is also developing a continent‑wide PFAS monitoring framework and preparing a restriction proposal under REACH.