What You Need to Know About PFAS
Laboratory tests confirm that drinking water in cities across Massachusetts are contaminated with toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at levels exceeding what independent experts consider safe for human consumption.
The information below will "inform to empower" so you can make the best decision for you and your family when it comes to assessing potential health risks.
As a unique advocate for private well owners and public water users, our team has researched and reviewed the health impacts, science, best practices of water sample collection, identified treatment solutions, and is working side-by-side with local authorities on continuous monitoring options and the mapping of PFAS contamination in ground water. Our goal is to inform to empower people in areas of concern of the impacts of PFAS in drinking water and the options for removing it. We have also taken the initiative to collect and map data for towns that have identified issues with PFAS.
PFAS Basics
Per- and PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured since the 1940s and used extensively in common household products such as nonstick pans, food packaging (pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, etc.), clothing and upholstery protectors (GoreTex, Scotchgard, etc.), and some personal care products and cosmetics; PFAS were also an important ingredient in fire-fighting foam.
Even though most U.S. manufacturers have phased out the use of PFOA and PFOS, they're still produced internationally and can be imported into the US in consumer goods such as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging, coatings, rubber and plastics.
Since PFAS do not break down in water or soil and may be carried over great distances by wind, rain or groundwater, much of the contamination that is being discovered today may have originated years ago before suspicion of the damaging environmental and health effects was raised.
Exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.