Agencies whose duty it is to safeguard our drinking water have been overly slow to react to the threat of the forever chemicals. The federal EPA has deployed a too-slow response, triggering action by some states to enact their own protective limits. So far, Minnesota has the strongest regulations.
The dangers from PFAs are very real and indeed Mayor Jordon Marlowe should be worried.
Until recently, little mention was made of this health threat. Now, however, even a recent advertisement for cookware touts a PFA-free product. This is because Teflon products used to contain the chemicals.
Thanks to Bill Basta for this link.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
‘Forever chemicals’ detected in Newberry drinking water; mayor discourages overreacting
Nora O’Neill
The water in Newberry contains concentrations of toxic “forever chemicals,” at or above the Environmental Protection Agency’s minimum reporting levels, according to new data released by the EPA this month.
The chemicals, Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, were reported to be found above the EPA’s limit in one out of four public drinking water systems in the nation. In Newberry, two PFAS have been detected at these higher levels, with one being 46.7% over the EPA’s limit.
“I’m not worried at all,” Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe said.
PFAS are long-lasting, nearly indestructible manufactured chemicals that can be found in many consumer products. PFAS are extremely widespread and can build up in the body over time, according to the EPA. The chemicals are found in water, air, soil, various food products, nonstick cooking equipment, electronics and more.
The chemicals were found in high levels elsewhere in the state including Tampa, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Overall, PFAS were found in high levels in water systems that serve about 46 million people….
