PFAS have been detected throughout the Bay Watershed, including in public drinking water systems in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and Northern Panhandle. The Downstream Project is supporting efforts to create PFAS Action Plans for every affected public drinking system in West Virginia impacted by PFAS contamination.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that do not exist naturally in the environment. It has been estimated that the PFAS family may include more than 12,000 chemical substances; however, the two most widely known and studied are PFOA and PFOS. They are considered “forever chemicals” because they do not break down under natural environmental conditions.
PFAS are used to produce countless waterproof, stain resistant, and non-stick products considered essential to health, safety, or modern life. Unfortunately, these “forever chemicals” don’t break down under natural environmental conditions.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is creating the plans. This fall, Downstream partnered with WVDEP, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services, and other local partners to host community meetings in both Panhandles to provide information, answer questions, and gather feedback.
PFAS have been used in consumer product manufacturing since the 1950’s. They are used for their non-stick and water-resistant properties. You can find them in fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, carpet, and nonstick cookware. PFAS is estimated to be present in the blood of almost all residents of the United States. Studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
- Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
- Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
- Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
- Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections.
- Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.
West Virginians can learn more at SafeWaterWV.org.
