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The ubiquitous nature of PFAS

In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become a growing topic of interest due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. These synthetic compounds have been widely used in various industrial applications and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS can be found in the air, soil, and water, and studies have shown that most people have detectable levels of PFAS in their bloodstream. One of the main exposure pathways for humans is through drinking water, particularly in communities located near industrial sites, military bases, or areas where firefighting foam has been used.

False sense of security regarding drinking water

A recent study found that 97.4% of respondents did not believe their drinking water had been impacted by PFAS. However, according to the U.S. Geological Service, nearly 45% of the nation’s tap water is contaminated with PFAS chemicals. This disconnect between perception and reality highlights the need for better communication from public health officials. In fact, nearly half of the survey respondents (45.1%) had never heard of PFAS, and 31.6% had heard of it but did not know what it was. This suggests that the majority of people in the U.S. remain uninformed about PFAS and its presence in drinking water.

Government response and regulation

In 2016, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a significant first step in addressing PFAS contamination by setting a lifetime health advisory level for two common types of PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The advisory level was set at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for combined exposure through drinking water. This advisory limit was further lowered in 2022 to 4 parts per quadrillion (ppq) for both PFOA and PFOS. Although this was an important move, it was merely a guideline, and enforcement remained limited.

In March 2023, the EPA made another significant move by proposing an enforceable National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). This regulation aims to reduce the enforceable maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS variants, including PFOA and PFOS.

At the state level, several states have implemented their own regulations and advisories. For instance, states like Michigan, New Jersey, and California have adopted stricter PFAS limits than the federal guidelines, reflecting regional differences in contamination levels and public health priorities.

The road ahead

The economic burden of PFAS contamination is staggering. A study by Obsekov et al. estimated that the broader health impacts of PFAS could cost between $5.5 billion and $62.6 billion, depending on the scope of exposure and the long-term health effects. This includes costs associated with medical treatment, reduced productivity, and PFAS cleanup efforts.

The Biden Administration has allocated billions of dollars through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help states upgrade their drinking water infrastructure, with a focus on PFAS detection and removal technologies. Additionally, under the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, there has been a significant effort to reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, preventing thousands of deaths and serious illnesses. In addition, the EPA has allocated nearly $1 billion to help states implement PFAS testing and treatment in water systems, part of a $9 billion investment to tackle PFAS pollution.

The issue of PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water is not one that can be easily or quickly resolved. PFAS have been accumulating in the environment for decades, and their removal from water systems and other contaminated areas will require significant time, resources, and collaboration between governments, corporations, and the public.

As scientific understanding of the health impacts of PFAS continues to evolve, so must the strategies for addressing their widespread presence. Raising public awareness, enforcing stricter regulations, and holding corporations accountable are all critical steps toward reducing PFAS exposure and protecting public health. While the road ahead may be challenging, the growing recognition of the dangers posed by PFAS offers hope for a safer, healthier future for all.

SCIEX and OCWD at their water treatment facility for PFAS

References:

PFAS Awareness Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37971973/

USGS Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412023003069

PFAS Burden Cost: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37213870/