There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, not all of which can be detected with current tests; the U.S. Geological Survey study tested for the presence of 32 types.
At least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have one or more types of the chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Accurate sampling of PFAS is vital because the data received provides insights into their potential health risks and what strategies should be used for remediation or water treatment.
At the outset, PFAS@Mines will focus on four interdisciplinary efforts aimed at the development of more cost-effective and sustainable technologies for remediating PFAS-contaminated water and soil.
Study finds that PFAS detection was positively associated with the number of PFAS sources and proportions of people of color who are served by a water system.
This is the first peer-reviewed study to show sociodemographic disparities in drinking water PFAS exposures and to statistically link sources such as landfills and airports to PFAS concentrations in community water systems.
The primary Senate sponsors of S.B.543 are Oregon State Senators Janeen Sollman and Michael Dembrow. The primary House sponsors are Oregon State Representatives Maxine Dexter and Tom Andersen.
"This work may be pertinent to water quality issues both locally and globally," says Benjamin Shindel, a Ph.D. student in Germany. "We want to see this out in the world, where it can make a real impact."