'Forever Chemicals' contaminate drinking water, including East AL city water supply
GADSDEN, AL (WBMA) - There are growing concerns about so called forever chemicals in water systems nationwide. The levels in one East Alabama community are alarming according to scientists.
PFAS chemicals are so concerning because of their strength and failure to degrade in the environment. Millions across the country may be exposed to harmful levels. The EPA recently announced new health advisories which put the safe levels much lower.
"The EPA is leading the national effort to understand PFAS and reduce PFAS risks to the public. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. PFAS are found in a wide array of consumer and industrial products."
Carolyn Parker grew up in Gadsden and has long been concerned about the drinking water. "I don't drink tap water typically," remarked Parker. She says her family buys a lot of bottled water. "The Coosa River is one of the most polluted rivers in the country. I don't like to run from issues. I would like this solved. This is home," says Parker.
New reports posted on ADEM's website show the levels of PFAS chemicals in Gadsden's water supply and other sampled areas.
Click here to see the full report and learn more
A statement from ADEM Director Lance LeFleur:
“This is a national issue. There rightly is concern about any harms these chemicals can have on human health and the environment. ADEM has been addressing PFAS issues for a number of years, including requiring testing for PFAS at drinking water systems with wells/treatment plants even though there is not a federal requirement to do so. We are pleased to see EPA now take steps that will lead to the regulation of these emerging contaminates.
Based on these advisories, affected water systems will take action to reduce the level of PFAS in the drinking water and provide information to their users, especially for those who may have conditions that make them more sensitive to PFAS exposure. ADEM, along with the Alabama Department of Public Health, has been coordinating with water systems in Alabama that had measurable levels of PFAS to provide any assistance they may need. While the advisories are for a lifetime of exposure, ADEM is working with the drinking water systems to resolve the PFAS issues in the near term future.”
Gadsden water officials declined our request for an interview.
The water board's attorney sent this statement: "Because of litigation pending in the Circuit Court Etowah County, Alabama initiated by Gadsden Water against 3M and others to address the PFOS issues, comment, at this time, does not appear appropriate." Mike Haney/Legal Counsel City of Gadsden
That lawsuit was filed in 2016 listing 3M Company and several other carpet manufacturers in Dalton, Georgia as defendants. That case is set for trial in October in Etowah County.
"They're very alarming," says Earthjustice scientist Rashmi Joglekar, Ph.D. of the levels reported in Gadsden. She calls the contamination a human health crisis.
"The best solution is to stop the flow of these chemicals into the environment. They are virtually indestructible," remarked Joglekar.
Experts advise you try to avoid things that contain PFAS. They are commonly found in everyday products.
Some products that may contain PFAS include
Some grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers
Stain resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
Water resistant clothing
Cleaning products
Personal care products (shampoo, dental floss) and cosmetics (nail polish, eye makeup)
Paints, varnishes, and sealants
Click here for drinking water standards
"This is one of the topics we are working on in our lab at Auburn University, technology to remove the PFAS from our drinking water, " explains Assistant Professor Kevin Wang, Ph.D. with the school of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.
You can also install carbon activated filters or more expensive reverse osmosis filters.
Some water systems like the one in Rome, Georgia have gone so far as to switch to a new water source, to lessen the risk of contamination.