Brown, RIDOH testing new PFAS health advisory threshold at 38 R.I. sites

PROVIDENCE – Since the Environmental Protection Agency has lowered the health advisory threshold for two types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, Brown University and the R.I. Department of Health are testing 38 Rhode Island sites against the new standard in August and September.

All public water systems in Rhode Island serving more than 10,000 people were tested for PFAS between 2013 and 2015. In 2016, the EPA lowered the health advisory level for two PFAS [Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)] to 70 parts per trillion because of new findings on health effects.

In 2015, the EPA standard for PFOA was 400 parts per trillion, according to a letter sent to Hoosick Falls, N.Y., by the agency that year. The standard was 200 parts per trillion for PFAS, according to Joseph Wendelken, spokesman at the R.I. Department of Health.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are man-made chemicals used in a variety of products and applications that are resistant to water, grease or stains, including nonstick cookware, carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing and food packaging, although the majority of PFAS have been phased out in the United States. Examples of facilities that have the potential to contain these chemicals due to use or disposal include industrial factories, airports, fire-training academies and landfills.

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Studies indicate that exposure to PFOA and PFOS over the health advisory level may result in adverse health effects, including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy or to breastfed infants; cancer; and effects to the liver, immune system, or thyroid.

Health advisories are unenforceable, and there are no national regulations for PFOA or PFOS in drinking water, according to the agency.

High levels of the chemicals were discovered in New York and New Hampshire, prompting states to ask for assistance and more guidance from the EPA, which lead to the adjusted health advisory, Wendelken said.

The water sampling will be done on public wells located within 1 mile of a facility that could potentially contain these chemicals or may have in the past. RIDOH is requiring the testing at these water systems, and has sent a letter notifying the 35 water systems that fit the criteria of this mandate.

Rob Borkowski is a PBN contributing writer.