What are Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used for decades in many consumer products and industrial. Examples of chemicals in this class include PFOA and PFOS, and more than 3000 related compounds. Because of their oil-, stain-, and water-repellent properties, PFAS have been used in many consumer products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant furniture and carpets, waterproof clothing, food packaging (microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes, etc.), cosmetics, paints, papers, protective coatings and sealants, shampoo, and dental floss. They have also been used in certain firefighting foams and various industrial processes. Because of their widespread use, many PFAS compounds have been found in the environment. PFAS are called forever chemicals because they don’t easily breakdown or degrade.
Does the EPA Regulate PFAS in Public Drinking Water?
No. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) protects public drinking water supplies across the United States. Under the SDWA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has regulated more than 90 drinking water contaminants. USEPA has the authority to set enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for specific chemicals and can require monitoring of public water supplies. There are currently no MCLs established for PFAS chemicals, however, USEPA has initiated the steps to evaluate the need for an MCL for PFOA and PFOS under the regulatory determination process.
In lieu of MCLs, USEPA has issued a health advisory for two PFAS in drinking water: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Health advisories are non-enforceable and non-regulatory and describe concentrations of drinking water contaminants at or below which adverse health effects are not anticipated to occur over specific exposure durations. The USEPA established health advisory level for the combined concentration of PFOA and PFOS is 70 parts per trillion (ppt).
Does Earnhart Hill Routinely Monitor for PFAS in the Drinking Water?
Neither the USEPA nor Ohio EPA regulate the presence of PFAS chemicals in public water systems and thus there is no requirement for routine monitoring. In 2015, EHRWSD was required by USEPA to participate in the Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3), which included testing for six PFAS compounds. On July 22, 2015 and December 8, 2015, EHRWSD submitted samples of their finished drinking water to an EPA-approved laboratory for PFAS analysis using the EPA-approved analytical method. None of the six PFAS compounds listed in UCMR3 were detected in the EHRWSD finished water samples.
Other than drinking water, what other ways could I be exposed to PFOA, PFOS and other PFAS compounds?
PFAS are used in many consumer products. They are used in food packaging, such as fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags; waterproof and stain resistant fabrics, such as outdoor clothing, upholstery, and carpeting; nonstick coatings on cookware; and cleaning supplies, including some soaps and shampoos. People can be exposed to these chemicals in house dust, indoor and outdoor air, food, and drinking water.
Where can I find more information on PFAS?
Additional information regarding PFAS can be found on the USEPA PFAS website:
https://www.epa.gov/pfas