The state Department of Environmental Protection on Friday announced a 60-day public comment period on a new regulation to protect drinking water from PFAS chemicals.

A DEP news release said the comment period concerns a proposed rule to set maximum contaminant levels in drinking water for two forms of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS.

Potential adverse developmental and immune system effects have been linked to exposure to the PFAS in question.

The proposed rule would set stricter limits on the amount of the PFAS allowed in drinking water throughout the state.

PFAS are a class of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s to make water-, heat- and stain-resistant materials.

Residents can comment to the state Environmental Quality Board at ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment or via email at RegComments@pa.gov.

Written comments can be mailed to the EQB at PO Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477.

Information on public hearings to be held in late March as well as how to offer testimony at one of the hearings is available at dep.pa.gov by clicking on “public participation” tab and viewing the EQB webpage.