PFAS have not been extensively studied, but they have been a concern for decades. In fact, two of the most well-known PFAS – PFOS and PFOA were phased out by 3M, a large manufacturer of PFAS, in the early 2000s. However, 3M, as well as other companies locally and internationally, still manufacture PFAS for use in their products. This has caused continued contamination of PFAS into water sources, where it continues to find its way into humans and the animals that we eat.
The production of PFAS does not seem like it will come to a stop anytime soon, so what can be done about it to prevent risk to public safety?
In my state of Massachusetts, every town is required to monitor its water sources for PFAS levels, which is done by sending a water sample to a lab for analysis. If the PFAS level is higher than the limit set by Massachusetts law (see previous blog post), then the wells are either shut down or diluted with water from other wells to lower their concentration. Additionally, homeowners can install a specialized PFAS filter in their household if the PFAS level in their water exceeds the EPA’s limit.
Recently, the House of Representatives passed the PFAS Action Act of 2021, instructing the EPA to pay more attention to regulating PFAS in drinking water and doing more to spread awareness. This includes setting a national limit for the level of allowed PFAS in drinking water and indicating whether PFAS is present on the packaging of consumer products. This places looking for a better solution for testing, removing, and managing perfluoroalkyl substances at the forefront of protecting the environment from pollutants. With this political momentum, I hope to see more solutions being developed.
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