MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System has warned customers that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, have been found in drinking water that are “at levels above new recommendations” from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Exposure to PFAS can lead to a “wide range of adverse health effects,” according to information posted on the MAWSS website.
PFAS chemicals have been called “eternal chemicals” because they are extremely persistent, lasting for thousands of years.
MAWSS states that it will implement routine monitoring for these compounds. The company also says it will share these results through a public notice, on the MAWSS website and in the July 2023 Consumer Confidence in Water Quality Report.
MAWSS advises customers to contact a physician or health professional if they are concerned about the levels of PFAS found in drinking water. The utility further advises customers to consider actions that can reduce their exposure, including installing a home or point-of-use filter if possible.
Steps are being taken to fully understand the concerns and potentially regulate PFAS at the national level, according to MAWSS.
The utility informs customers that boiling, freezing or letting water sit does not reduce PFAS levels.
EPA provides an online document entitled Meaningful and Achievable Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk.
According to information from MAWSS, PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. PFASs have been found in a variety of consumer products (such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpet and upholstery coatings, grease-resistant food packaging, cosmetics, and cleaning products) and as an ingredient in firefighting foam. PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, airports, and military installations contribute to the release of PFAS into air, soil, and water. Because of their widespread use, most people have been exposed to PFASs, and there is evidence that exposure to certain PFASs can lead to adverse health effects.
Most studies tested doses of PFAS higher than levels found in the environment, MAWSS states on its website, and most studies were in laboratory animals. Adverse health outcomes revealed by such studies include:
- Developmental effects, including fetuses, following exposure during pregnancy or postnatal development (eg, low birth weight, accelerated puberty, skeletal variations, immune system development)
- Crab
- Effects on the liver
- Immune effects
- Thyroid problems and other effects
MAWSS tells customers with questions about PFOA/PFOS or other water quality questions to email water.quality@mawss.com.
FOX10 News is following this developing story and will have more information.
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