The EPA’s new Final Rule for PFAS Reporting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule to expand the list of chemicals subject to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting, including the addition of seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for Reporting Year 2024. The TRI program mandates annual reporting from designated industry sectors and federal facilities that use specified chemicals over certain quantities.
Why pesticide safety matters more now
Pesticide safety is a key aspect of protecting environmental health. The data collected through TRI helps communities, businesses, government agencies, and NGOs make informed decisions about chemical management, promoting accountability and transparency. The latest rule elevates the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to address the impacts of these “forever chemicals,” enhancing EPA’s strategy to contain the health and environmental risks of PFAS.
Breakdown of the added PFAS
| Chemical Name | CAS Registration Number |
|---|---|
| Ammonium perfluorohexanoate | 21615-47-4 |
| Lithium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] azanide | 90076-65-6 |
| Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) | 307-24-4 |
| Perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA) | 422-64-0 |
| Sodium perfluorohexanoate | 2923-26-4 |
| 1,1,1-Trifluoro-N-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] methanesulfonamide | 82113-65-3 |
| Betaines, dimethyl | 2816091-53-7 |
As of January 1, 2024, facilities subject to the reporting requirements for these added PFAS must track their activities according to Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Complete reporting forms must be submitted by July 1, 2025.
Impact for the pesticide applicator
For pesticide applicators, these changes warrant an increased awareness of the ingredients and chemicals in the products they use. By ensuring adherence to these updated reporting standards, pesticide applicators can contribute to environmental safety and help promote public health. This change can be a step forward for pesticide applicators to involve themselves more consciously in the move for environmental justice.
Discover more about these PFAS additions to the Toxics Release Inventory here.
