Is There PFAS “Forever Chemicals” In Los Angeles Water?

The problem with PFAS and similar contaminants is that, until recently, few people knew or understood them. Compounding this issue, PFAS have become nearly ubiquitous in our environment. These “Forever Chemicals” in urban areas near Los Angeles are more likely to be in household water than many other regions of the nation, according to a study done by ScienceDirect.

Researches estimated that at least 45% of drinking water across the nation could contain one or more of the chemicals. In Southern California alone, an ABC7 analysis showed PFAS was found in more than 200 water systems, servicing more than 18 million people at some point over the last 10 years.

Since 2019, the California State Water Resources Control Board has been proactively researching and testing for PFAS. Throughout the year, the set response levels for drinking water were maintained at 10 parts per trillion for PFOA and 40 parts per trillion for PFOS. The Division of Drinking Water also recently set response levels for two more PFAS variants: Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). In 2022, the Board introduced a new PFAS Monitoring Order, which mandates monitoring of these four PFAS substances and an additional 21 related chemicals, starting in the early part of 2023.

On April 10, 2024, the United States government introduced its first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect citizens from PFAS forever chemicals. The new rules to regulate six types of PFAS chemicals were developed based on feedback from the public and stakeholders, with over 120,000 comments considered. The EPA believes that these rules will protect about 100 million people from PFAS exposure over time, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses related to PFAS.

The EPA has also announced that it will be offering substantial funding, including $1 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to help test and treat PFAS in not only public water systems but address contamination in private wells as well.

The new regulations set limits known as ‘Maximum Contaminant Levels or MCLs’ for individual PFAS like PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, as well as a combined limit for mixtures of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. While these regulations will help to protect from 6 PFAS, there are over 15,000 PFAS chemicals.

The new regulations state areas exceeding the new standards of PFAS contamination must take action to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within 5 years.

Certain areas have a higher propensity for PFAS-contaminated water. For example, if you live near an airport or a firefighter training facility where many of these chemicals have historically been used, there’s a good chance they’re still found in relatively high concentrations. Areas around manufacturing centers also commonly have elevated levels of PFAS, since they were used in the production of carpet, food packaging and production, and many other consumer goods.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS, known for their oil and water resistance, non-stick, and fire-resistant qualities, are commonly added to various everyday products used by most Americans such as the following:

A class action lawsuit alleges Simply Tropical and Simply Orange beverages have been promoted as “All Natural” and made with “all-natural ingredients.” Nevertheless, the lawsuit contends that lab tests conducted on Simply Tropical contradict these claims, revealing the presence of PFAS, artificial chemicals that are not natural.

An analysis by Toxic-Free Future tested 60 items from various categories, discovering that 35 products, mostly leggings and yoga pants, had fluorine levels exceeding 100 parts per million, a strong PFAS indicator. Among the brands tested were Lululemon and Old Navy. Of these, three-quarters contained banned long-chain PFAS compounds. Notably, 28% of the tested products contained PFAS, with 34 out of 47 items with water-resistance claims showing PFAS presence. An additional investigation also found PFAS in popular sportswear brands, raising questions about long-term exposure risks associated with PFAS-coated clothing.

The Thinx underwear brand was involved in a lawsuit alleging their products contained PFAS after the marketed their products as a safe, sustainable product, free of harmful chemicals. The period underwear company has settled a lawsuit regarding allegations of inadequate product effectiveness and misleading advertising.

According to Green Matters, Consumer Reports detailed the levels of PFAS found in many popular carbonated water brands contain. Topo Chico, owned by Coca-Cola Co., was an extreme outlier containing 9.76 parts per trillion. Most brands tested were only slightly above 1 part per trillion, with Poland Spring at 1.66, Canada Dry at 1.24, LaCroix at 1.16 and Perrier at 1.1. As for non-carbonated water, Deer Pa

There is no way for you prevent PFAS contamination in the environment, but you can make sure the water you’re drinking is PFAS free. If there is good news regarding PFAS water contamination, it’s that they can be treated and removed from water with the right filtration. For example, several methods, like carbon filtration, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis water treatment effectively remove PFAS from water.

PFOA, the most notable substance of the PFAS family, was found to be a part of the manufacturing process of Teflon. The EPA sued DuPont in 2005 for failing to report a health risk to both humans and the environment. The company paid a $10.25 million settlement.

Because of PFOA and PFAS strong molecular structure, they take much longer to break down naturally than other organic chemicals.

Until 2002, PFOA were integral in producing goods which qualities repel dirt, grease, water and stains.

These contaminants can be found in the manufacturing process of a variety of products, including non-stick cookware, carpet-care liquids, treated apparel, upholstery or textiles, sealants, dental floss, floor wax and non-woven medical garments. Though PFTE non-stick cookware was proven to have PFOA levels, a recent study found levels that ranged from undetectable to 4.3 parts per billion, and it is not currently considered a major pathway for PFOA.

Just last year, United Nations experts recommended banning PFOA globally at the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Will the United States follow suit based on recent outbreaks in California and Michigan.

According to a study from 2002-2005, people who lived in the PFOA-contaminated area around DuPont’s Washington Works facility were found to have higher levels of PFOA in their blood from drinking water. People that drank more tap water, ate locally grown fruits and vegetables, or ate local meat, were all associated with having higher PFOA levels.

Residents who used carbon filter systems had lower PFOA levels.” Studies have found that using carbon-activated filters can reduce PFOA by up to 60%.

The EPA has issued a “Health Advisory” for PFOA and PFAS, but this does not amount to any actual forced federal regulations on municipalities to control and monitor them.

The EPA has established health advisory levels at 70 parts per trillion as of 2020.

How Much Is 70 Parts Per Trillion?

To compare 70 parts per trillion, think of a drop of ink in a backyard pool. According to its website, “EPA’s health advisory level for PFOA and PFOS offers a margin of protection for all Americans throughout their life from adverse health effects resulting from exposure to PFOA and PFAS in drinking water.”

A few of the adverse health conditions a lifetime of exposure can lead to are develop- mental effects in children, kidney and testicular cancer and immunodeficiency disorders.

According to a study from 2002-2005, people who lived in the PFOA-contaminated area around DuPont’s Washington Works facility were found to have higher levels of PFOA in their blood from drinking water. People that drank more tap water, ate locally grown fruits and vegetables, or ate local meat, were all associated with having higher PFOA levels.

Residents who used carbon filter systems had lower PFOA levels.” Studies have found that using carbon-activated filters can reduce PFOA by up to 60%.