The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is fast-tracking approvals for PFAS chemicals used in semiconductor production, raising alarm over their environmental and health impacts despite industry reassurances.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The EPA is expediting reviews of PFAS chemicals for semiconductor use, claiming a “closed-loop” system limits environmental exposure.
- Critics argue that semiconductor facilities discharge significant PFAS waste into air and water, contradicting EPA claims of containment.
- The semiconductor industry is exploring alternatives to PFAS, but progress is slow due to the complexity of chip manufacturing.
Key quote:
“The EPA is not doing their job.”
— Lenny Siegel, Chips Communities United
Why this matters:
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment and are linked to severe health risks like cancer and kidney disease. By fast-tracking approvals without transparency, regulators may exacerbate pollution and public exposure to these hazardous compounds.
Read more: Chipmakers form consortium to block PFAS regulations amid semiconductor boom
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