Here is what you need to know about the PFAS levels and impact to North Texans.
What is PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — manmade chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s in hundreds of industrial applications and consumer products.
How long do PFAS remain in the body?
PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they don't easily break down in the environment or the human body.
Where can PFAS be found?
PFAS can be found in nonstick cookware, waterproof jackets and raincoats, food wrappers, stain-resistant carpets and furniture, firefighting foam, and many other consumer products.
How can I be exposed to PFAS?
PFAS can enter your body through consuming contaminated drinking water, eating contaminated food, or inhaling contaminated air.
How do PFAS affect human health?
Exposure to high levels of PFAS can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including increased cancer risk, decreased birth weight, immune system dysfunction, and problems with fertility and development.
Is PFAS regulated in drinking water?
Yes. The EPA has established a maximum allowable amount (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS of 70 parts per trillion.
Dallas Water Utilities said it is prepared to meet the new PFAS limit once the EPA releases new rules.
How will the new EPA limits impact Dallas Water Utilities?
The new EPA limits are likely to have a significant impact on Dallas Water Utilities because the utility currently uses a treatment process that is not designed to remove PFAS.
Dallas Water Utilities does not currently test for PFAS.
What is Dallas Water Utilities doing to address PFAS?
Dallas Water Utilities is working on developing a new treatment process that will be able to remove PFAS from drinking water. The utility expects to have the new treatment process in place by 2025.
