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As Maine works to address PFAS contamination, United Nations considers the issue in North Carolina

Vials containing PFAS samples sit in a tray, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati. The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals," in drinking water.
Joshua A. Bickel
/
Associated Press
Vials containing PFAS samples sit in a tray, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati. The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals," in drinking water.

As Maine continues working to uncover PFAS contamination and treat drinking water, a United Nations expert says contamination in North Carolina may be considered a human rights violation.

Marcos Orellana, U.N. Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, said the companies discharging PFAS are disregarding the rights and wellness of citizens.

Orellana said the case of North Carolina is just one example of a growing global problem.

"The point I would highlight is that the situation in North Carolina in a way is exemplary, is paradigmatic, of a much broader problem that has nationwide and global proportions and that needs to be tackled," he said.

Orellana at an Environmental Working Group press conference, said he cannot speak to areas of contamination in other parts of the country, as the U.N. has not been contacted to investigate by other communities.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced much tougher restrictions on several PFAS chemicals, and Maine agencies are in the process of integrating the new standards.

Kaitlyn Budion is Maine Public’s Bangor correspondent, joining the reporting team after several years working in print journalism.