Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water

A Straightforward Guide to What They Are and What’s Regulated

If you have heard “forever chemicals,” you have probably also seen the acronym that goes with it. This isn't easy to pronounce for some, try saying it like this and you will be pretty close: Per-floor-oh-al-kil and replace Per with Poly (which means "many") for these chemical groups. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals. PFAS are not one chemical. They are a category that includes many different compounds (https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained).

This post is part of the “emerging contaminants” series. Emerging contaminants are often called “emerging” because detection, monitoring, health science, and enforceable standards do not all arrive at the same time. That sequence has been accepted as the expected outcome under the current design. The system can be changed, but the current design produces that result.

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because many PFAS break down extremely slowly in the environment. The molecular structure includes strong bonds between carbon and fluorine that are incredibly stable and resistant to degradation. As a result, PFAS accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms over time.

One important detail that gets lost in the name: PFAS is a very large group of chemicals, and some PFAS compounds last longer than others. “PFAS” is a label. It is not a single behavior, a single exposure route, or a single health outcome (https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas).

How PFAS can show up in water

PFAS, have been used in various consumer products and industrial applications for many years. They are commonly found in items like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and food packaging. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that PFAS can contaminate our environment, appearing in water, air, fish, and soil across the United States and around the world.

PFAS can enter our water sources through several different routes. Some of the main ways include:

• Landfills: PFAS can leach from landfills into groundwater as waste decomposes.

• Wastewater Treatment Plants: Treated wastewater may contain PFAS, which can be released into rivers and lakes.

• Consumer Products: PFAS are found in various consumer goods, such as stain-resistant fabrics, water-proof items, and food packaging, which can lead to environmental contamination both from the manufacturing and the the everyday use.

• Firefighting Training Sites: Training exercises using AFFF can result in significant PFAS contamination in soil and water.

• Agricultural Runoff: Use of PFAS-containing biosolids as fertilizer can introduce these chemicals into the soil and waterways.

• Stormwater Runoff: PFAS can be carried into water bodies through stormwater runoff from urban areas.

The significance of each pathway can vary depending on the specific location and its history of PFAS use. This is why testing water sources for PFAS contamination is crucial—it provides accurate information rather than relying on assumptions.

Why Testing Matters

Regular testing helps identify PFAS levels in water and other environments, ensuring safety and informing necessary actions to reduce exposure. If you're concerned about PFAS in your area, consider advocating for water testing or checking with local authorities about existing tests.

EPA summarizes that studies have shown exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse human health effects (https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas). The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/about/health-effects.html) lists health effects that have been associated with exposure to certain PFAS, including items like increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, lower antibody response to some vaccines, pregnancy-related outcomes, small decreases in birth weight, and specific cancers for specific compounds (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/about/health-effects.html).

What is regulated right now in U.S. drinking water

In April 2024, the U.S. EPA established a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) specifically targeting PFAS. This regulation serves as a crucial framework for setting enforceable limits on contaminants found in public drinking water systems. For more information, you can refer to the EPA's official page on PFAS regulations here.

The enforceable limit defined by this regulation is known as the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). The MCL represents the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in drinking water, ensuring that public health is protected under federal law. To learn more about MCLs and their significance, you can visit the EPA's page on National Primary Drinking Water Regulations here.

What You Can Do About It

To address the implications of this regulation and ensure safe drinking water, consider the following actions:

• Stay informed about local water quality reports and PFAS levels in your area.

• Advocate for testing and monitoring of drinking water sources in your community.

• Support policies and initiatives aimed at reducing PFAS contamination.

• Consider using water filtration systems that can effectively remove PFAS from drinking water.

• Engage with local government and environmental organizations to promote awareness and action.