Guardian analysis of water samples taken in nine US locations shows test agency uses is likely missing significant levels of PFAS pollutants
Officials said after implementing the upgraded filtration, testing no longer found detectable levels of PFAS chemicals in the water. They called the work in Portsmouth a “national model” for addressing PFAS water contamination.But the water may not be clean after all.
The Guardian found that seven of the nine samples collected showed higher levels of PFAS in water using the test that identifies markers for PFAS, than levels found when the water was tested using the EPA method – and at concentrations as much as 24 times greater. “Industry has had a 70-year head start and we’re never going to catch up,” said Graham Peaslee, a University of Notre Dame researcher.Many researchers consider a type of test known as “total organic fluorine” , which detects a PFAS marker called organic fluorine, to be the most accurate way to test water samples.
In a statement to the Guardian, the EPA said it “continues to conduct research and monitor advances in analytical methodologies … that may improve our ability to measure more PFAS”.“We’re looking for and studying less than 1% of PFAS so what the heck is that other 99%?” Peaslee asked.The samples analyzed for the Guardian were collected from municipal systems and private wells. An accredited lab conducted the EPA 537 test, while Peaslee checked the samples using a TOF method he developed.
Though the EPA doesn’t have limits in place for mixes of PFAS compounds, many public health advocates say no level over 1ppt is safe. There are so many PFAS that we don’t know anything about, and if we don’t know anything about them, how do we know they aren’t hurting us?The test results for Portsmouth, where water tested by the TOF method revealed levels around 16 times higher than the EPA 537 method found, is probably due to some combination of issues, Peaslee said.
“That’s left me with more questions about what’s making up that total and makes me want more testing in my community,” she added.In the region around Cape Canaveral, Florida, which includes Titusville, some suspect PFAS contamination stemming from two military bases and Nasa facilities is behind their health problems.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US basketball star detained in Russia makes emotional appeal to Joe BidenSaying she misses her family and teammates, Brittney Griner urges the US President to stand up for her in an emotional letter sent to the White House.
Read more »
'He needed us': NSW Police brave rising floodwaters to save trapped manNSW Police officers have braved rising floodwaters to save a man as his ute was swallowed by the climbing river in Sydney&x27;s north west.
Read more »
Al Jazeera journalist's family condemns US probeThe US has concluded Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was likely killed by Israeli gunfire and urged accountability, but said there was no reason to believe she was shot intentionally. Her family has dismissed the finding as 'incredulous'.
Read more »
Anger as families of US detainees in Middle East left off Blinken call‘Infuriating’ exclusions made just weeks before Joe Biden’s Saudi visit and expected rapprochement with the crown price
Read more »
Mass shooting suspect arrested after Fourth of July parade-goers slain in USGun violence has marred America's national day, with six people shot dead in Chicago. Police have arrested the alleged gunman after the mass shooting at an Independence Day parade. telester 7NEWS
Read more »