By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
In my previous columns I have written about drinking water regulation and updated the community about the health hazards related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, the set of chemicals known as PFAS. The Environmental Protection Agency announced on April 10 the Final National Primary Drinking Water Rule for these substances. This landmark regulation represents the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard designed to safeguard communities from the harmful effects of PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
With the latest scientific findings as a guide, the EPA has taken decisive action to establish comprehensive drinking water standards aimed at protecting public health from the adverse impacts associated with certain PFAS exposures.
PFAS comprise a group of thousands of manufactured chemicals renowned for their diverse properties, including water repellency, stain prevention and enhanced heat resistance. Widely used in industrial and consumer applications such as fabric, carpeting, electrical wiring, non-stick coatings, food packaging and firefighting foam for extinguishing petroleum fires, PFAS have become integral to numerous products and processes.
Despite their advantageous traits, toxicological studies on laboratory animals consistently reveal concerning effects on the liver, immune system, growth, reproduction, fetal development and blood lipid profiles like cholesterol. Additionally, PFAS can disrupt endocrine and hormonal systems, including the thyroid, further raising health concerns.
It’s worth noting that PFAS are not readily absorbed through the skin, diminishing the risk associated with activities like bathing, showering, swimming or washing dishes with water containing PFAS. However, prolonged consumption of PFAS-contaminated drinking water can lead to the accumulation of these chemicals in the body, heightening the likelihood of adverse health effects over time.
The recently enacted EPA rule for PFAS establishes maximum contaminant levels for six specific types of PFAS in public drinking water. In addition to setting these regulatory limits, the rule mandates that public water systems undertake monitoring for PFAS, notify customers of any detected levels and report findings to state public health departments. Moreover, water companies are obligated to mitigate customers’ exposure to PFAS in drinking water should levels surpass the established maximum levels.
Public water systems must adhere to the new regulations within five years of implementation. In the coming weeks, the Connecticut Department of Public Health will release an estimated timeline for the state’s adoption of this rule and offer recommendations to public water systems to facilitate preparation for its implementation.
Additionally, DPH will update its web pages featuring PFAS frequently asked questions and PFAS information for public water systems, including a clarification on the distinction between the new federal maximum levels and the Connecticut drinking water action levels for these compounds.
I recommend that you review the annual water quality report published by the Regional Water Authority that supplies most of the areas in Orange.
To learn more about how DPH has proposed to use this funding to assist public water systems, including those serving small or disadvantaged communities, visit DPH’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Final Intended Use Plans for 2023 and 2024 at portal.ct.gov/dph/drinking-water/dws/call-for-projects-review-and-ranking-of-projects.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.