New rules aim to make drinking water safer in North Carolina by removing toxic chemicals [Video]

State and federal officials met Wednesday in Fayetteville to announce the first-ever national limits on forever chemicals in drinking water.

A new rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency requires more than 200 chemical plants nationwide to reduce toxic emissions that could cause cancer.

The rule aims to make drinking water safer by reducing exposure for 100 million Americans, which officials said can prevent cancer and thousands of illnesses.

Forever chemicals are a class of compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that resist heat, water and oil. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health risks, including certain cancers, liver and heart damage in adults, and harmful immune and developmental effects on infants and children.

“It’s in the blood of every American at this point just about 99%, including babies while they’re in the womb,” said Ken Cook, president and co-founder of the Environmental Working Group.

Katie Bryant, a mother of two from Pittsboro, said she’s been fighting for regulations after she found out her children …