PFAS

The Environmental Protection Agency has established the first-ever nationwide, drinking water standards to reduce the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water. PFAS are found in water, air, fish and soil globally and have been linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. The City of Boynton Beach is prepared to comply with all EPA drinking water standards and encourages residents to become informed about PFAS and which products have them.

Frequently asked questions

 What does PFAS stand for? per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

How many PFAS are there? There are thousands of different PFAS, some of which have been more widely used and studied than others.

When and how were PFAS first created? They have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s because of their useful properties, such as resisting grease, oil, water and heat. They remain in the environment for a long time and are sometimes called “forever chemicals.”

What types of products contain PFAS? PFAS are in hundreds of products including stain and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints and firefighting foams. Certain PFAS are also authorized by the FDA for limited use in cookware, food packaging and food processing equipment.

Which PFAS do the new EPA rules target?

Where are PFAS found?

Drinking water, soil and water near waste sites, fire extinguishing foam, some manufacturing or chemical production facilities, food, food packaging, household products, dust, personal care products, some fertilizer

Are PFAS dangerous to humans?

While research into PFAS in ongoing, studies show that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to reproductive and developmental effects, increased risk of some cancers, immune system effects, hormonal effects and increased cholesterol levels and a risk of obesity.

Where do I find out more information about PFAS? You can look on line at the following federal agencies:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/)

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (www.atsdr.cdc.gov/index.html)

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

(www.niehs.nih.gov/)

Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov/)