Expert Scientists Urge WHO to Reconsider its Draft Guidelines on PFAS in Drinking Water
A group of 116 scientists, who are experts on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have written a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) to express concerns about the draft “Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality” regarding Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). The scientists, associated with the Green Science Policy Institute, are recommending that the WHO document be significantly revised to consider numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies demonstrating adverse health outcomes linked to PFOS and PFOA exposure.
The letter objects to the use of a technology-based approach for the development of the WHO guidelines rather than a scientifically defensible, health-based approach. The scientists also argue that the WHO assessment disregards evidence of harm to human health resulting from environmentally relevant exposure levels. Additionally, the letter asserts that WHO’s proposed guidelines are much less protective than what can be achieved by commonly used water treatment technologies.