The class of chemicals known as PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are used commonly in products that are advertised as non-stick, as they repel water and oil. PFAS have been in circulation since the 1950’s and can also be found in firefighting foam. You can come into contact with these chemicals by exposure to contaminated water, soil, air, consumer products, or fish from contaminated water containing PFAS. The danger comes with the risks of these chemical. In addition to the most common finding of increased cholesterol level, PFAS have also been associated with liver damage, thyroid hormone disruption, decreased antibody response to vaccines, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and lower infant birth weights.
PFAS have risen to national attention after a 2016 study by Harvard researchers that estimated around 6 million Americans drinking water exceeded the EPA allowance for the chemical. This study also only took into account two of the 3,000+ existing PFAS compounds. Spread of PFAS chemicals are fast due to their non-stick nature and allows them to flow freely with water. Bays, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water are most susceptible to be contaminated by PFAS. Once the chemicals are in the environment, they are not easily broken down.
Only 90 of Wisconsin’s 11,000 public drinking water systems have been tested for PFAS. From these 90 sites tested, eight sites were known to be releasing PFAS compounds. These locations include the Fort McCoy Fire Training Center in Sparta, WI, with levels of PFAS being over 1,700 times more concentrated than EPA’s regulation for drinking water. The other sources of PFAS contamination include paper mills, fire training areas, airports, manufacturing facilities, and landfills. Even in Madison, PFAS have become a problem. Due to firefighting foam used by the military, six types of the compound have appeared over a mile way in Madison’s Well 15. Although the levels are below national regulations, some believe that the maximum level of 70 parts per trillion as being too relaxed.
Multiple states have gone even further to set tighter standards for the chemical allowance. According to Eric Uram, a Sierra Club Chair in the National Toxics Committee, has stated:
“The USEPA should be taking a stronger approach to deal with these issues. The health implications should concern everyone. Getting a better handle on how much PFAS gets released into our air and water, as well as from disposal, should be part of their efforts, but it’s not.
Rule-making is necessary, but can be a decade-long process at EPA. As a result, states and communities still need to lead on addressing PFAS. Wisconsin is behind our neighbors in MN and MI and needs to play catch-up, especially in light of this EPA announcement. Communities like Madison, Marinette, LaCrosse, and Milwaukee will need to play a key role in finding solutions as their water will require an answer to the PFAS contamination already found there.”
To get involved in protecting our waterways in Wisconsin, contact Katie Hogan and tell her you’re interested in joining our water team: Kathryn.hogan@sierraclub.org
If you have questions about PFAS, contact Eric Uram at Eric.Uram@headwater.us.
By Spencer Bierman, Sierra Club Volunteer