According to a study recently published in Environment International, communities located near military bases in Pennsylvania had elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood. Moreover, more than half of all tested wells used for drinking water had PFAS contamination, with some having levels thousands of times higher than the maximum recommended levels issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An investigation into the health impacts of this exposure is still ongoing.
What the Study Found
The study involved extensive testing of nearly 6000 adults and more than 700 children, as well as the drinking water found in wells near military bases located in Pennsylvania. The tests found that 99% of all tested subjects had elevated levels of PFAS in their bloodstreams compared to the median average. Meanwhile, around 65% of all drinking water wells had detectable levels of PFASs, with 18% having levels above the EPA regulatory maximum allowed in drinking water.
How the Contamination Might Have Occurred
PFASs are used in a variety of industrial processes, and are used to make certain commercial products like non-stick cookware and stain-resistant garments. Moreover, they are often used by firefighters to combat certain dangerous fires, like electrical or grease fires, where using water might be inadvisable or counterproductive. Often, these chemicals are subsequently introduced to the environment through toxic waste dumping or other means, resulting in environmental contamination.
The Dangers of PFASs
PFAS exposure has been tied to a number of negative health consequences, including an increased risk of hypertension, liver damage, thyroid disorders, and high cholesterol. It has also been linked with certain types of cancer, particularly kidney cancer and testicular cancer. Women with heightened levels of PFAS in their blood are also more likely to suffer from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and children exposed in the womb are more vulnerable to certain birth defects.
The Potential Health Implications
The high levels of PFAS exposure in these communities may have lasting effects for every person living there. While studies into the exact effects of PFAS are still ongoing, it is likely that many of the people exposed to these chemicals will have more health problems and a reduced quality of life. Given that these “forever chemicals” do not readily break down, they are also likely to be a persistent problem in these communities going forward.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.