Medford Water Department (MWRA)

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What are PFOA and PFOS? PFOA and PFOS are perfluoroalkyl materials (PFAS) — man-made chemical compounds that can be proof against oil, stains, grease, and water. They had been used to make carpets, fabrics for clothing and furniture, paper packaging for meals, non-stick cookware, and firefighting foams. PFOS and PFOA are not synthetic within the United States. How can I be exposed to PFAS? PFAS was used worldwide in enterprise and consumer merchandise because the 1950s; they may be released into the surroundings (air, water, soil, and many others.) when other merchandise is made, used, or discarded. PFAS are very strong and persist inside the surroundings for lengthy durations of time. People can be exposed to these chemical compounds in residence dirt, indoor and outdoor air, food, and consuming water. Because PFAS had been used global, stay in the surroundings for a long time, and tour lengthy distances in water and air, there are trace amounts all around us. What is the advisory stage? A lifetime fitness advisory degree (LHAL) is the amount underneath which no harm is expected from these chemicals. The EPA publishes LHALs to provide a margin of protection in opposition to negative fitness results to the most touchy populations: fetuses in the course of pregnancy and breastfed toddlers. The LHALs are calculated based on the consuming water consumption of lactating women, who drink extra water than other humans and can skip these chemicals alongside to nursing babies via breastmilk. The EPA has set separate and combined LHALs for PFOA and PFOS of 70 elements in step with trillion (ppt). How can PFAS affect my health? Scientists are not yet sure about the viable fitness outcomes as a result of human exposure to PFAS degrees typically located in our food and water. Some, but not all research in human beings have counseled that sure PFAS can also affect the developing fetus and baby. Potential fitness results from exposure to PFAS may also include: • Effects on the growing fetus and infant, which includes viable changes in increase, gaining knowledge of, and conduct • Decreased fertility and interference with the frame’s herbal hormones • Increased LDL cholesterol • Effects at the immune device • Increased cancer hazard To research greater about ability health consequences of PFAS, contact the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000. What are PFAS ranges inside the U.S. Population? Most human beings inside the United States and in other industrialized international locations have measurable amounts of PFAS of their blood. The CDC estimates that the average blood concentrations of PFOA and PFOS are 2, one hundred ppt and six, three hundred ppt respectively. Are my pets at threat? The health consequences for animals are probable to be much like the consequences of humans. However, animals and humans do no longer constantly technique chemicals in an identical manner. Contact your veterinarian when you have questions on PFAS and your pet’s fitness. What is GHU doing? As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the very best requirements of water nice, we're intently monitoring PFAS concentrations to affirm that they continue to be substantially lower than the EPA’s lifetime health advisory levels. We are currently assessing PFAS treatment options and developing contingency methods. This proactive approach will permit GHU to respond quickly and efficiently, ought to PFAS concentrations boom to degrees of concern. Is GHU’s water secure to drink? Yes, the hint quantities of PFOA and PFOS detected are more than ninety% lower than the EPA’s health advisory degrees. Where can I get greater records? • Alaska Environmental Public Health Program http://dhss.Alaska.Gov/dph/Epi/eph/Pages/default.Aspx • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry https://www.Atsdr.Cdc.Gov/%/index.Html • EPA https://www.Epa.Gov/chemical-studies/studies-andpolyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas • National Toxicology Program: https://ntp.Niehs.Nih.Gov/pubhealth/hat/noms/pfoa/ index.Html If you have got questions about PFAS and your health, please seek advice from your healthcare company..