EPA Expands TRI with Nine New PFAS Chemicals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). This update, which brings the total number of PFAS listed under TRI to 205, reinforces the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice by improving transparency around toxic chemical releases. 

What the TRI Means for Communities

The TRI is an essential tool for monitoring and managing industrial chemical releases. Facilities that handle TRI-listed chemicals must report their usage and disposal annually, providing public access to detailed data on how these substances are managed. This system helps communities and policymakers better understand the potential risks associated with nearby industrial activity. 

“People have a right to know when facilities in their backyards are releasing toxic chemicals into the environment,” said Michal Freedhoff, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “With today’s action, we are providing important information about nine more PFAS.” 

Details of the Newly Listed PFAS

The Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires the automatic addition of PFAS to the TRI list when the EPA finalizes toxicity values for these substances. For the 2025 reporting year, the new additions include:

• Ammonium perfluorodecanoate (PFDA NH4)
  • Applications:
    • Used in the production of fluoropolymers, which are materials commonly applied in non-stick coatings for cookware (e.g., Teflon).
    • Found in some firefighting foams (aqueous film-forming foams or AFFFs).
  •  Industries:
    • Aerospace, automotive, and electronics sectors often use PFDA derivatives for specialized coatings.
• Perfluoro-3-Methoxypropanoic Acid
  • Applications:
    • A degradation product of other PFAS used in certain chemical manufacturing processes.
  • Sources:
    • Found as an environmental contaminant, particularly in areas near chemical plants or industrial facilities using fluorinated chemicals.

• 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate variants
  • Applications:
    • Used in surfactants for stain-resistant textiles and carpets.
    • Found in paper and food packaging that requires grease resistance.
  • Sources:
    • Commonly used in coatings for fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and other grease-proof products.
• Acetic acid, [(γ-ω-perfluoro-C8-10-alkyl)thio] derivs., Bu esters
  • Applications:
    • Utilized in the production of specialty lubricants and coatings for industrial applications.
  • Industries:
    • Found in machinery, electronics, and manufacturing processes requiring highly durable, non-stick surfaces.

Facilities handling these chemicals must begin tracking their activities as of January 1, 2025, with reports due by July 1, 2026. These substances are now subject to stricter reporting requirements, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of their environmental and health impacts.

Environmental Persistence and Contamination Sources

Due to their persistence, these chemicals are often detected in:

• Groundwater and Surface Water: Especially in areas near military bases, airports, and industrial sites where firefighting foams were used.
• Soil: Contamination often occurs near disposal sites for PFAS-containing products or facilities that produce or process these chemicals.
• Human Exposure: PFAS can bioaccumulate in the food chain and are found in drinking water, fish, and even household dust.

Overcoming Confidentiality Barriers

The inclusion of Acetic acid, [(γ-ω-perfluoro-C8-10-alkyl)thio] derivs., Bu esters highlights the EPA’s efforts to resolve regulatory hurdles. Previously excluded due to confidential business information (CBI) claims, its identity was declassified in May 2024, paving the way for its addition to the TRI. This move aligns with broader initiatives to enhance transparency in chemical management. (Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory)

Trump’s Legacy and Potential Second Term Implications

The expansion of TRI to include additional PFAS reflects a shift in regulatory priorities compared to the Trump administration. Critics of the Trump-era EPA point to delays in addressing PFAS and broader environmental rollbacks. While the administration initiated the 2019 PFAS Action Plan, its scope was criticized as insufficient. 

With Trump’s potential return to office, his administration’s past focus on deregulation and fossil fuel expansion could influence future EPA actions. Already, state governments like California and New York are preparing for possible regulatory rollbacks by enacting their own stringent measures to protect against PFAS contamination.