**Congress Urges EPA to Explain Delays in Report on Perfluoro-nonafluorobutane**

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October 18, 2025

EPA Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed Report on ‘Forever chemical’ Health Risks

Washington D.C. – A critical report assessing the health dangers of perfluorononylanoic acid (PFNA), a widespread environmental contaminant, remains unpublished, prompting demands for transparency from a leading member of Congress. The delay raises concerns about potential political interference and industry influence within the Environmental Protection Agency.

Congressional Inquiry Intensifies

Representative Chellie Pingree, Democrat from Maine and ranking member of the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on the Interior, Habitat, and Related Agencies, formally requested answers from the EPA this week. Her letter, dated October 17, 2025, seeks clarification on why the completed report, finalized as early as April, has not been released to the public.

Pingree’s inquiry follows recent reporting highlighting concerns within the scientific community regarding the delayed release. Government scientists reportedly expressed frustration over the stalled publication, fearing the information is crucial for protecting public health. According to sources, the EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin, has been asked to justify the delay and commit to a release date.

A Pattern of Interference?

The Congresswoman characterized the situation as part of a disconcerting trend of meddling with the EPA’s scientific processes. She specifically referenced the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), a program established during the Reagan administration responsible for evaluating the health impacts of chemical exposure. “The Trump Administration, Republicans in Congress, and industry have been opposed to the IRIS program,” Pingree wrote in her letter.

The concerns extend beyond the PFNA report. pingree questioned whether scientists have been reassigned or removed from IRIS, and if so, the reasons behind these personnel changes. This follows reports of significant staffing reductions within the program over recent years.

PFAS Regulations and Industry Pushback

The timing of the report’s delay coincides with a recent EPA decision to rescind previously established drinking water limits for PFNA and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This action has fueled suspicions of industry lobbying influencing the agency’s policies. Pingree pointed to “strong industry pushback on regulating PFAS” as a potential factor.

PFAS, frequently dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancers, immune deficiencies, and developmental issues.According to the Environmental Working Group, PFNA contaminates drinking water sources for approximately 26 million Americans.

PFNA: A Widespread Threat

PFNA, once used in firefighting foam and manufacturing processes, remains prevalent in the environment despite voluntary phase-outs initiated two decades ago. The delayed EPA report findings indicate that PFNA exposure can lead to lower birth weights and perhaps damage the liver and reproductive systems.

Chemical	Common Uses	Health Concerns	Affected Population (approx.)
PFNA	Firefighting foam, plastic manufacturing	Lower birth weights, liver damage, reproductive issues	26 million Americans

Did You Know? PFAS do not naturally break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time.

Pro Tip: To learn more about PFAS contamination in your area, check the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water database: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/

The Bigger Picture

The delayed report is critical for establishing safe exposure limits for PFNA and guiding cleanup efforts at contaminated sites nationwide. Communities impacted by PFAS contamination are relying on government action to hold polluters accountable and ensure access to clean water.

The EPA, in a statement last week, indicated the PFNA report would be published upon finalization, without providing a specific timeline. Agency representatives did not respond to requests for comment regarding Pingree’s letter.

Understanding PFAS and Their Impact

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of industries and consumer products since the 1940s. As of their widespread use and persistence in the environment, PFAS are now found in people, animals, and the environment all over the world. Ongoing research continues to reveal the scope of PFAS contamination and its potential health impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions about PFNA and PFAS

1. What is PFNA? PFNA is a type of PFAS, or “forever chemical,” known for its persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
2. Why is the EPA report on PFNA delayed? The reasons for the delay are currently under investigation by a key House subcommittee, with concerns raised about potential political interference.
3. What are the health effects of PFNA exposure? Studies suggest potential links to lower birth weights, liver damage, and reproductive issues.
4. Where can I find information about PFAS in my drinking water? The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water database provides data on PFAS contamination levels in communities across the U.S.
5. What is the role of the IRIS program? IRIS is an EPA program responsible for evaluating the health risks of chemical exposure and setting safe exposure limits.
6. What are PFAS used for? PFAS were commonly used in non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, food packaging, and many other products due to their water and stain-resistant properties.
7. How are PFAS regulated? Regulation of PFAS is evolving, with ongoing efforts to establish safe drinking water standards and cleanup guidelines.

What steps should communities take to advocate for clean water in the face of PFAS contamination? Do you believe greater transparency is needed from the EPA regarding chemical health risks?

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What specific concerns did Representatives Dingell adn Kildee express in their letter to the EPA regarding the PFNFB report?

What is Perfluoro-nonafluorobutane (PFNFB)?

Perfluoro-nonafluorobutane (PFNFB), also known as C9 fluorotelomer, is a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the surroundings and potential adverse health effects. PFNFB is used in a variety of industrial applications, including firefighting foams, surface treatments for textiles, and as a processing aid in fluoropolymer manufacturing. Its chemical stability, while useful in these applications, contributes to its long lifespan in the environment – earning it the moniker “forever chemical.” Concerns surrounding PFNFB stem from its potential to contaminate water sources and accumulate in human bodies.

Congressional Concerns & The Delayed EPA Report

In early October 2025,a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demanding an clarification for significant delays in the release of a congressionally mandated report on PFNFB. The report, originally due in December 2024, was requested as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The letter, spearheaded by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Dan Kildee (D-MI), highlights growing anxieties about the potential health risks associated with PFNFB exposure, notably in communities near military bases and industrial sites where the chemical has been heavily used. The lawmakers specifically requested facts regarding:

* The reasons for the delay in completing the PFNFB toxicity assessment.

* A revised timeline for the report’s release.

* Details on the EPA’s plan to address potential PFNFB contamination across the United States.

* The agency’s strategy for communicating risks to affected communities.

Why the Delay Matters: Health and Environmental Impacts

The delay in the EPA’s report is particularly concerning given the increasing evidence linking PFAS exposure – including compounds like PFNFB – to a range of health problems. These include:

* Cancer: increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer.

* Immune System Effects: Reduced antibody response to vaccines.

* Thyroid Disruption: Interference with thyroid hormone levels.

* Developmental Issues: Potential impacts on fetal and infant growth.

* Cholesterol Levels: Elevated cholesterol levels.

Furthermore, PFNFB’s persistence in the environment means it can travel long distances, contaminating drinking water supplies and impacting ecosystems far from the original source of pollution. the lack of a thorough EPA assessment hinders efforts to effectively monitor, remediate, and regulate PFNFB contamination. This impacts both environmental remediation efforts and public health initiatives.

EPA’s Response and Ongoing Investigations

As of October 18, 2025, the EPA has acknowledged receiving the Congressional letter and stated it is indeed working to finalize the PFNFB toxicity assessment. Agency officials cite the complexity of the science surrounding PFAS and the need for a thorough and accurate evaluation as contributing factors to the delay. Though, critics argue that the EPA has been slow to act on PFAS issues generally, and that the PFNFB report is just the latest example of bureaucratic inertia.

Several ongoing investigations are also shedding light on the extent of PFNFB contamination.

* Michigan State University Research: Researchers at MSU are conducting studies on PFNFB levels in Michigan’s Huron River watershed, a region heavily impacted by PFAS contamination from former military facilities.

* Department of Defense (dod) Site Assessments: The DoD is conducting site assessments at military installations across the country to identify and address PFAS contamination, including PFNFB.

* State-Level Monitoring programs: Several states, including california, Massachusetts, and New York, have implemented their own PFAS monitoring programs, which are helping to identify PFNFB contamination in drinking water and other environmental media.

Regulatory Landscape: Current and Potential Actions

currently, there are no federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established for PFNFB. Though, the EPA has proposed MCLs for six PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, and is expected to continue expanding its regulatory efforts to address other PFAS compounds, including PFNFB.

Potential regulatory actions include:

1. Establishing MCLs for PFNFB: Setting enforceable limits for PFNFB in drinking water.
2. Designating PFNFB as a Hazardous Substance: This would trigger reporting requirements under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund.
3. Requiring PFAS Manufacturers to Report Data: Increasing transparency about the production and use of PFAS chemicals.
4. Funding Research on PFAS Remediation Technologies: Developing and deploying effective technologies to remove PFAS from contaminated water and soil.

What Can Individuals Do?

While waiting for regulatory action, individuals can take steps to minimize their exposure to PFAS, including PFNFB:

* Water Filtration: Use a water filter certified to remove PFAS.look for filters that meet NSF/ANSI Standard P473.

* Avoid PFAS-Containing Products: Be mindful of products that may contain PFAS, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and certain food packaging.

* Stay Informed: Follow updates from the EPA and state environmental agencies regarding