What are PFAS? Am I exposed?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used globally since the 1940s. These ‘forever chemicals’ are known for their oil & water repellent properties, their ability to reduce friction, they are resistant to degradation, and they are fire retardants. Due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment, PFAS can be found in water, air, fish, soil, and even in the blood of people and animals worldwide.

PFAS are toxic even at low levels, as they do not break down and can build up in the body. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of cancer, liver damage, high cholesterol, harm fetal development and reduce vaccine effectiveness. "This is really historic, … following through on a campaign promise to regulate these chemicals, and to take action to address cancer," said David Andrews, a senior scientist at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.

PFAS have been linked to health issues such as the rare cancer that killed 20-year-old Amara Strande of Oakdale, Minn., last year.

On April 10, 2024, EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS.  The limits for PFAS was set @ 4 parts per trillion.

Are you and your family exposed to PFAS? Use this link to an interactive map of PFAS contamination in the US. Interactive Map: PFAS Contamination Crisis: New Data Show 6,189 Sites in 50 States (ewg.org). Once you have zoomed in to your area, click on the most local testing location and record the name of the water company that supplies your drinking water.

Then click this link, *UCMR5_PFAS-by-Sample-5.16.24.pdf (ewg.org) and search for the water company you recorded. The longer the list and the higher the score the more contaminated your drinking water tested.

South Sarasota is served by Pluris-South Gate Utilities. PFAS were discovered, however they are under the EPA limit. Bradenton and Longboat Key were slightly elevated and over the new EPA limits as was St. Pete. Conversely, the Miami area consumes a water-PFAS-wasteland, as they have very high scores for a slew of PFAS.

Concerned? Yeah, I was too. Do your own research on water filters or filtration systems, many remove 100% of PFAS!