Forever Chemicals

Testing shows wells in Whitted had enough PFAS to pose potential health risks. Funding is approved to get the area onto a public drinking water supply, but such change is usually slow in Black neighborhoods.

So far, water utility reports reveal 89.3 million people have been exposed to PFAS nationwide, although a peer-reviewed article from 2020 estimates that number to be around 200 million.

PFAS chemicals have been used for decades to waterproof and stain-proof consumer products and are linked to health problems.

The study found military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1975 to 1985 had at least a 20% higher risk for a number of cancers. The list includes some types of leukemia and lymphoma and cancers of the lung, breast, throat, esophagus and thyroid.

New research finds that private wells near more than 82% of select military sites were contaminated with PFAS chemicals. The study listed six in Florida below the threshold the Pentagon uses to trigger remediation.

Despite scores of lawsuits by its personnel and high rates of testicular cancer among troops, the military has been slow to investigate a connection to PFAS.

At a meeting Tuesday, county leaders discussed the plans, which include taking steps to ensure residents’ water is safe from the dangers of 1,4 Dioxane.

The full health risks of wearing apparel made with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are still unknown. But states are taking action so clothing makers will remove them.

Lawmakers warn that “these are forever chemicals that are within our environment now, and are going to create a major environmental disaster."

Lauren Woeher wonders if her 16-month-old daughter has been harmed by tap water contaminated with toxic industrial compounds used in products like...