PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — PFAS contamination was found in 76% of 161 streams that were sampled across Pennsylvania, according to a report from the U.S. Geological Survey.
The study tested streams, not drinking water, for PFAS — also known as forever chemicals. Sara Brietmeyer with USGS says the report provides a baseline of PFAS levels in the environment but also tries to trace the chemicals back to a source.
“It's important to the sources of PFAS contaminants and environmental surface waters to know what they are, to help mitigate pollution and determine what areas may be more vulnerable to ecological and possible human health effects,” Brietmeyer said.
Brietmeyer noted the most surprising thing was that electronics manufacturing facilities were related to the highest levels of PFAS in the streams.
PFAS covers a broad class of compounds used in everything from cosmetics to firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and food packaging. The chemicals have been connected to several health issues, including certain cancers, infertility, and thyroid and kidney issues.
PennEnvironment’s Stephanie Wein says the same things that make the compounds useful in manufacturing make them an environmental concern.
“They don't break down. They can build up in the environment, they can build up in the bodies of humans and wildlife.”
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Wein notes outdoor recreation is a $14 billion industry in Pennsylvania.
“It would be really unfortunate … if we lose some of that because folks are worried about the quality and the safety of our water.”
She says there’s no quick fix because PFAS is such a broad term with so many different uses but urges action at the federal level.
“The biggest thing is calling on our elected officials to have better oversight of what is going in both to our drinking water and to the products that we bring into our homes.”
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