What We're Reading: EPA and Drinking Water; Teens Seek Vaccines; Companies Cut Praluent Price

Decision From EPA Expected Soon on Chemical Regulations Affecting Health

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to make a decision soon regarding stricter regulations of polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS, which are chemicals in coatings meant to protect consumer goods from stains, water, and corrosion, The Associated Press reported. Increasing numbers of states have found them seeping into water supplies; studies have indicated links between the chemicals and excessive cholesterol levels, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular and kidney cancer, problems in pregnancies, low birth weight, and liver problems.

Teens From Homes With Antivaccine Beliefs Turning to Internet to Figure Out How to Get Vaccinated

Teenagers are turning to Reddit and other sites to figure out how to get vaccinated if their parents subscribe to antivaccine beliefs, The Washington Post reported. The paper detailed the pursuit of an Ohio teen who started to get his vaccinations done last fall, but the 18-year-old is afraid for his younger siblings.

Regeneron, Sanofi Cutting Price of Praluent by 60%

Regeneron and Sanofi announced they are cutting the price of its proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab (Praluent) by 60% in the United States. The companies said that the new list price will be $5850 annually in early March for both the 75 mg and 150 mg doses.