The FONTUS Guide to Perfluoroalkyls: Pfoa, Pfos in Maine Water

PFAS? PFOA? PFOS? If you’re like most people, you probably have no idea what those acronyms stand for. Or why PFAS are cause for concern if they get into your drinking water. We’ll explain PFAS, the concerns, and what you should do if they appear in your water supply.

The Umbrella Term: PFAS

PFAS stands for over 6,000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances found in more than 5,000 products. PFAS are all man-made and contain linked chains of carbon and fluorine. For example, PFAS can be found in things like nonstick pans, carpets, and waterproof clothing. As well as sunscreen, shampoo, shaving cream, and firefighting foam. The problem with PFAS chemicals is they don’t break down easily. And therefore, remain in our bodies and environment for years. In addition, studies have linked PFAS to certain cancers and endocrine disruption in humans.

THE PROBLEM WITH PFOA & PFOS

The most widely known polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) chemicals are PFOA and PFOS. They’re non-stick, waterproof, and grease-proof chemicals used in a variety of home products. They’re also stable and persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative, toxic at low concentrations. Above all, PFOAS and PFAS easily get into groundwater. Products with PFAS chemicals aren’t made in the United States any longer. Manufacturers started voluntarily phasing them out in the early-2000s. However, manufacturers from other countries still produce PFOAS and PFOS and ship products made with them into the U.S.

Subsequently, the EPA estimates that drinking water accounts for about 20% of a person’s exposure. In May 2016, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a drinking water Health Advisory for PFOA and PFOS. In short, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce exposure to the PFAS chemicals. If they can be measured in drinking water at a level above 0.07 micrograms per liter (µg/L) (or 70 parts per trillion (ppt)), it’s time to act.

PFAS IN MAINE

PFAS are found throughout the country, and Maine is not exempt. A 2019 report released by the Maine CDC shows that about half of the public water supplies tested (7 of 12) contained PFAS. As a result of the concern over PFAS, Maine formed a task force in 2019 to:

• identify the extent of PFAS exposure in Maine
• examine the risks of PFAS to Maine residents and the environment
• recommend State approaches to most effectively address this risk

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT PERFLUOROALKYLS IN MAINE WATER?

PFAS has been linked to cancer and endocrine disruption in humans. So, your first step in protecting your family is to test your drinking water. Most importantly, if PFAS are found, they can be filtered out of your water supply.