Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of toxic man-made chemicals known for their non-stick, waterproof, stain-resistant characteristics that have been used in consumer products and industry for decades. Unfortunately, these chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. Even very low exposure to some PFAS has been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, thyroid disease, and weakened immune systems. 

PFAS are commonly found in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. They have also been used in firefighting foam, which has contaminated numerous drinking water sources near military bases and airports.

Despite the known dangers of PFAS, they are still largely unregulated in many countries. However, some governments and organizations are taking steps to limit exposure and contamination. For example, the European Union has proposed a ban on PFAS in firefighting foam and food packaging. Additionally, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has proposed legal limits on the amount of PFAS allowed in drinking water. 

WHERE IS PFAS LOCATED IN VIRGINIA?

PFAS has been found in surface waters, groundwater, and drinking water throughout Virginia. However, Virginia lacks comprehensive data on PFAS contamination in the Commonwealth, meaning we do not know the full extent of this pollution problem.  In fact, the United States Geological Survey estimates that at least 45% of tap water across the United States contains PFAS. 

Moreover in Virginia, as the public and government agencies work to understand the impact of PFAS in drinking water specifically, some regions have had to broaden their scope beyond the public water system. Henrico County is one such locality. In late 2021, the county was informed that PFAS had been discovered in the Chickahominy River, as well as in the White Oak Swamp watershed, near Richmond International Airport. This prompted a six-month period of private well testing, during which dozens of wells were found to contain detectable levels of the chemicals. High levels of PFAS have also been detected in the Occoquan Reservoir in NOVA and the Spring Hollow Reservoir in Roanoke.

You may live near one of the Virginia sites known-to-be impacted by PFAS contaminants. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) hosts an interactive map on its website, showcasing PFAS contamination throughout the country. 

While addressing PFAS in drinking water is critical, this action alone is insufficient to fully protect public health and the environment. We must stop PFAS pollution at its source before industrial polluters discharge it into surface waters and landfills and agricultural lands spread with land-applied biosolids (sewage sludge) leach it into groundwater because these waters become our drinking water. 

Wild Virginia is also leading the fight to stop PFAS pollution at its source, in hopes that we can protect our communities, our waters, and our wildlife from these hazardous chemicals. Learn more about those efforts and how you can get involved here.

It’s important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with PFAS and take steps to reduce their exposure. This can include avoiding products that contain PFAS, filtering drinking water, and supporting efforts to regulate and phase out the use of these harmful chemicals. By working together, we can help protect our health and the environment from the effects of PFAS “forever chemicals”.