MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A new report warns about adverse health, wildlife and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals known as PFAS in states such as South Dakota. Sometimes called “forever chemicals,” they can be found in a variety of applications and industries, including pest-control products. A new regulation of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act will impose limits on the levels of PFAS allowed. Early testing shows levels in Mount Rushmore National Memorial’s drinking water are more than twice the soon-to-be federal limit. Groups in the U-S are asking the Environmental Protection Agency for tougher regulations on pesticides, many of which Nathan Donley with the Center for Biological Diversity says are too easy to obtain and use.

   “These are just regular products that you would buy in your local hardware store. They’re also products that you could use in agriculture, that many farmers use. These ingredients are in a lot of different products that many people can buy.”

Public water systems have until 2029 to reduce high levels before they are considered in violation. The report recommends more industry transparency for all pesticide ingredients, as well as stricter federal testing and monitoring of PFAS. But a coalition of chemical trade groups has called the E-P-A’s Safe Drinking Water Act an overreach.

Donley says the exposure pathways for PFAS are very similar between people and wildlife, pointing out that animals are drinking from water sources where the exposure is greatest. He says agencies such as the E-P-A are in place to make sure that shortsighted actions by a few don’t have long-term consequences for everyone.

  “This really isn’t the failing of individuals, it’s the failing of our institutions. And we need to put pressure on representatives that have been elected to really put in place the protections that most of the public thinks should be in place.”

Donley calls PFAS a multi-generational threat, saying the true harm may only be felt in future generations. He adds that environmental groups have been fighting the use of persistent pollutants for a half-century, but the nation is still dealing with many of them.