A new regulation proposed by the EPA seeks to limit the amount of PFAS contamination in drinking water.

PFAS are a group of chemicals found in a wide range of products from nonstick cookware to waterproofing material. Known as forever chemicals, PFAS don’t break down naturally and they’ve been linked to health issues like infertility and cancer. The EPA says they’ve been found in water, soil and air in areas across the U.S. and the world.

PFAS contamination in Tucson’s water has been linked to a firefighting foam used for years at the local airport and the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. 

Though the EPA has issued health advisories about the chemicals before, this new proposal would set formal limits on the level of some of the most well-known PFAS found in drinking water.  

In his weekly newsletter, Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik said the regulation would be significant, because it could force entities like the Department of Defense to move forward with cleanup efforts.