Testing of four separate schools around Pennsylvania found that they had elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. These tests have alarmed parents and educators alike, who have not been able to explain how and why these water systems may have been contaminated. The affected school districts, meanwhile, have reacted in significantly varying ways, raising questions about whether they are prepared to handle this type of crisis.
Testing Find Elevated PFAS Levels at PA Schools
Last year, Pennsylvania schools began regular testing of their water systems to determine the presence of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” After a year of testing, four schools located in southeastern Pennsylvania found that they had levels of PFAS in their water that was above the legal limit of 18 parts per trillion (ppt). Subsequently, parents were notified, and students were told to begin bringing bottled water to school.
The Dangers of PFAS
PFAS are a class of chemicals that are commonly associated with certain types of industrial production, and are used in a variety of products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, and fire extinguishers. These chemicals are associated with a number of negative health consequences when ingested, including high cholesterol, a lowered immune response, and lower fertility. They are also associated with certain types of cancer, and may cause birth defects when ingested by pregnant women.
Investigating the Origin of the Contamination
One of the issues underlying these schools is that there is no clear reason for how or why their water systems may have been contaminated. Ordinarily, high levels of PFAS in water systems are tied to environmental contamination or spills nearby, which seep into groundwater or contaminate wells. However, there are no Superfund sites near these schools with known PFAS contamination, and there is no specific source of contamination to point to that could explain these results.
Disappointing Responses From Affected Schools
When contacted by reporters from NBC10 Philadelphia, all schools said that they were working with state officials to address the PFAS contamination. However, the schools and school districts have otherwise been quiet about potential steps they would take, and none have yet put forward specific plans for how they intend to remediate their water systems. In the meantime, students are left without safe drinking water at their schools, and parents are left wondering when these issues will be resolved.
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