Chemical company Chemours announced plans to invest $250 million in building the largest perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) production facility in the United States. The plant, to be located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is expected to create 200 jobs and begin operations in 2026.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. However, PFAS have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and immune system dysfunction.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the environmental and health risks of PFAS. In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a health advisory for PFAS, recommending that people limit their exposure to these chemicals.
Chemours says that the new plant will use the latest technology to minimize emissions of PFAS. The company also says that the plant will create 200 jobs and boost the local economy.
However, some environmental groups are concerned about the potential risks of the new plant. They say that PFAS are very persistent in the environment and can contaminate groundwater and drinking water supplies.
The EPA is currently reviewing Chemours’ permit application for the new plant. The agency will have to decide whether the plant will meet all of the necessary environmental and health standards before it can issue a permit.
