PFAS

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals widely used in various industries for their stain resistant and flame retardant properties. They persist in the environment, and are found in water, soil, air, fish, and wildlife. Studies have shown that many PFAS are found in the blood of people all over the world and that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to an increased risk of some cancers, reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, decreased fertility, and developmental effects such as low birth weight. (EPA)

This class of chemicals has become known as “Forever Chemicals” because they break down slowly in the environment and in the body.  Their molecules are made up of a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms which is one of the strongest known bonds.  Their strength is so great that scientists are unable to estimate a half life for PFAS, which is the amount of time it takes 50% of the contaminant to disappear. (NIH)

They are now found widely in the soil, water, and air.  The most widespread and well studied of these chemicals are Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).  They are no longer manufactured in the United States but have since been replaced with ‘alternative PFAS’ like a chemical group known as GenX. (EPA)

In 2023 the Waterkeeper Alliance released a sampling report that was followed by a large scale sampling effort in Northwest Georgia conducted by Coosa River Basin Initiative in collaboration with Coosa Riverkeeper, based on the lower portion of the Coosa River in Alabama.  These initial sampling efforts revealed widespread contamination of PFAS across the country including several areas in Georgia including:

• Conasauga River: (WABE)
• Oostanaula River (CRBI)
• Coosa River (CRBI)
• Coosawattee River (CRBI)
• Chattahoochee River: (WABE)
• Altamaha River: (WABE)
• Savannah River: (WABE)
• Tributaries to the Ogeechee, Satilla, and Suwanee Rivers: ( WABE)

While ongoing sampling uncovers more areas affected by PFAS, the report shows that PFAS pollution is widespread in Georgia's surface waters, raising concerns for both the environment and public health. You can find the reports here:

Report from Coosa River Basin Initiative and Coosa Rivekeeper

Report from Waterkeeper Alliance

The new health advisories released in June of 2022 by the EPA, based on the latest science considering lifetime exposure, state that negative health effects may occur with concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in water that are near zero. 

The EPA also issued final health advisories for two other PFAS class chemicals:

• Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its potassium salt (PFBS)
• Hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) dimer acid and its ammonium salt, also known as “GenX chemicals”

In chemical and product manufacturing, GenX chemicals are considered a replacement for PFOA, and PFBS is considered a replacement for PFOS. (EPA)

The agency reports that drinking water is only safe to consume if it has less than 2000 parts per trillion of PFBS and 10 parts per trillion of GenX, 4 parts per quadrillion (0.004 ppt) of PFOA, and 20 parts per quadrillion (0.02 ppt) of PFOS. This new level is a substantially lower amount than the 70 parts per trillion that was considered safe in the initial health advisory released by the EPA in 2016. (EPA)

It is difficult for many to even picture quantities this small. For perspective, the sun is about 94.5 million miles away. One part per trillion of that distance would be to move six inches closer to the sun. Related to the health advisory for PFOA, 4 parts per quadrillion would be moving less than a millimeter closer to the sun.

In short, astonishingly small amounts of these chemicals in lifetime exposure can lead to harmful public health outcomes.

PFAS has been found  in surface waters and in public drinking water systems, including systems that use surface waters and groundwater as source water, throughout the state. 

The CDC estimates that these chemicals are now in the blood of most Americans. This exact number and the sources of exposure are difficult to assess as there are many thousands types of PFAS chemicals that are widely used.

It is believed that the majority of PFAS contamination comes from consuming water or food that contains them. Although more research is needed to determine all sources of exposure.

There are several studies that have linked PFAS exposure to long term health problems including potential effects on metabolism, pregnancy, children’s cognition and neurobehavioral development, and the immune system. Studies also suggest these chemicals may lead to higher cholesterol, altered liver function, thyroid disease, and increased levels of kidney and testicular cancer. (Science Direct)

Removing PFAS from water is costly and technically challenging. The financial burden often falls on public water systems and, ultimately, ratepayers, who may face higher utility bills to cover these expenses.

The legislation ensures transparency by requiring industrial users to disclose whether they manufacture, use, or release PFAS into publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). This information is vital for protecting public health, addressing contamination, and holding industries accountable for their environmental impact.

Industries will need to:

• Identify and report PFAS sources in their processes.
• Provide annual updates on PFAS-related activities.

You can find recommendations from the EPA and NIH on how to reduce your exposure.