Forever chemicals Coverage

DEQ says appointees, chamber stalling PFAs pollution regulations

The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and two state lawmakers are pushing back against proposed limits to keep water safe.

UN says DuPont and Chemours violated human rights in NC, contributed to 'global toxic contamination problem'

Chemours and DuPont violated human rights when polluting drinking water with PFAS, according to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

UN says NC water pollution violates human rights

The United Nations declaration specifically calls out Chemours and parent company DuPont for contaminating drinking water with toxic chemicals called PFAS disregarding the rights and wellbeing of downstream residents.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: A little PFAS on the side?

Sunday, April 14, 2024 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Head of EPA visits Fayetteville to announce new limits for PFAS in drinking water

U.S. and local environmental leaders on Wednesday will announce the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.

US visits Fayetteville to announce first-ever limits on PFAs in drinking water

White House officials on Wednesday morning spoke at an event in Fayetteville to announce protections for drinking water. Researchers discovered PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River drinking water supply in 2017, including forever chemicals uniquely linked to the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant, formerly owned by DuPont.

New EPA rule to impact three NC chemical plants

More than 200 chemical plants nationwide will be required to reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer under a new rule issued Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency.

New EPA rule says 218 US chemical plants must reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- More than 200 chemical plants nationwide will be required to reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer under a new rule issued Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency. The rule advances President Joe Biden's commitment to environmental justice by delivering critical health protections for communities burdened by industrial pollution from ethylene oxide, chloroprene and other dangerous chemicals, officials said.

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press and Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' Are Pervasive in Water Worldwide, Study Finds

They're in makeup, dental floss and menstrual products. They're in nonstick pans and takeout food wrappers. Same with rain jackets and firefighting equipment, as well as pesticides and artificial turf on sports fields.

Delger Erdenesanaa, New York Times

State officials update progress on 1,4-dioxane, PFAS regulations

State regulators with the NC Department of Environmental Quality said the EPA is expected to finalize drinking water standards in the coming month for "forever chemicals," which will influence the agency's progress on regulations for contaminants in drinking water.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

Forever chemicals discovered in NC marina

Forever chemicals known as PFAS have been found in a North Carolina marina in White Oak, just 30 minutes south of Fayetteville.

WITN staff

How safe is your tap water?

WRAL News tested tap water across the region and found forever chemicals in most of North Carolina's drinking water.

Liz McLaughin, WRAL climate change reporter

Is your water safe to drink? The results of a WRAL investigation

Forever chemicals in your drinking water. A special WRAL Investigation tested for over 50 different potentially hazardous chemicals in local homes. Where we found the highest levels - and is our drinking water safe?

EPA wants to label 9 'forever chemicals' hazardous

The EPA wants to designate nine compounds, known as "forever chemicals," as hazardous. Also known as PFAs, they're resistant to breakdown and are prevalent in household items and public water systems. Labeling them as hazardous will speed up government cleanup efforts. Thousands of PFAs are commonly found in cookware, carpet and clothing.

New Hanover County sues Chemours, PFAS manufacturers for contaminating environment, endangering firefighters

On Jan. 12, New Hanover County filed a lawsuit against more than a dozen manufacturers and sellers of products that use or contain polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

WRAL staff

Researchers discover new forever chemicals in Cape Fear River

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified 11 additional types of PFAS in the Cape Fear River, including eight that were previously unknown to the Environmental Protection Agency.

New forever chemicals discovered in Cape Fear River

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified 11 additional types of PFAS in the Cape Fear River, including eight that were previously unknown to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

NC State researchers study PFAS-free firefighter gear

NC State researchers are examining alternatives to PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, in firefighter turnout gear.

Liz McLaughlin, Climate Change Reporter

UN says 'forever chemicals' in NC water violate human rights

The United Nations is taking action on forever chemical contamination in North Carolina, saying widespread pollution of the chemicals violates international human rights law.

U.N. appointed experts express concerns about Chemours

In a series of letters sent to the company and its parent company, Dupont, the group warned of "blatant human rights concerns," saying the company disregarded those in the area when they dumped forever chemicals into the Cape Fear River.

UN group calls out Chemours for violating human rights, polluting the planet & lying about the danger of PFAS

A group of independent researchers appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council has accused Chemours of violating human rights by contaminating the environment with toxic chemicals

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate reporter

Cooper concerned about Chemours plan to import waste to NC

Gov. Cooper sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan Tuesday strongly urging EPA to reverse the decision to allow the import of waste material containing GenX to the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility.

'It's personal': Burlington founder develops technology to destroy PFAS after losing loved one to cancer

A Burlington company, Invicta Water, has discovered a non-toxic and cost-effective way to destroy forever chemicals in drinking water. The founder and his nephew say the loss of a loved one inspired their mission, and now they hope their technology can help others get access to clean water.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

Loss inspires Burlington clean water technology

In Burlington, where forever chemicals have been discovered in the Haw River, one company has developed a way to destroy them. The founder and his nephew said it's more than just a business, it's personal.

Chemours is importing GenX chemicals from Europe to North Carolina

The EPA approved Chemours' request to ship up to 4 million pounds of waste containing PFAS from its facility in the Netherlands to its Fayetteville Works Facility. Chemours says it plans to recycle and reuse GenX, but it's unclear if the shipments could increase contamination to surrounding communities.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter