NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The Trump administration is moving to roll back limits on some PFAS, the toxic “forever chemicals” found in the drinking water of millions of Americans. The Biden-era rule set the first national drinking-water limits for several PFAS compounds. But industry groups argued the standards were legally flawed and too costly to meet. William Brangham reports.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
key terms
ecosystem — an environment formed by the relationship between living things such as plants and animals, and non-living things such as rocks, soil and waterways
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What are PFAS?
- When were restrictions first put on PFAS chemicals in water?
- Why is the Trump administration rolling back the restrictions?
- How are PFAS chemicals potentially dangerous?
- Who is affected by PFAS chemicals?
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
This story notes that even many of President Trump's supporters hope to limit PFAS from PFAS chemicals. Why do you think his administration is rolling back regulations if even his supporters want limits on the chemicals in drinking water?
Media literacy: Examine the graphic below. Why do you think this infographic was included? What important questions does it raise, and what other information do you think it would be useful to include?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Examine the image below, courtesy of the City of Riverside, California. First, discuss — what everyday household items do you use that contain PFAS?
These are a few examples of products that can contain PFAS. Graphic provided by City of Riverside, California
Next, read the following article on the ways light can be used to break down PFAS. After reading the article, design a system to help break down the PFAS in one or more of the items you chose from the chart. Sketch out a system, invention or idea for treating the items you use for PFAS before they go into landfills. As a class, discuss which solutions are the lowest cost and easiest to try out!
"Researchers have developed a way to break down long-lasting PFAS compounds using light"
Foam swirls in the harbor as firefighters douse a smouldering dock fire that broke out on Monday evening and burned about 150 feet (45 meters) of a wharf area at the Port of Los Angeles, California September 23, 2014. Thick smoke from a smoldering fire started by a welder's torch at the Port of Los Angeles was preventing the movement of containers at the facility on Tuesday, because air conditions were too harmful for dock workers, officials said.REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES - Tags: DISASTER TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
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