Hyannis Water Still Unsafe for Infants, Some Women

BARNSTABLE, MA — Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants in Hyannis on Thursday were told to continue avoiding drinking village water after elevated levels of dangerous chemicals were detected.

The chemicals are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Recent tests showed 0.18 parts per billion of both chemicals—over twice the new federal limit of 0.07 parts per billion.

Hyannis officials first issued the stop-drinking advisory last month. They've taken a host of corrective measures but on Thursday said they were awaiting test results to determine if the PFOA and PFOS levels have dropped.

The advisory says: 

 "It is recommended that pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants:

• Use bottled water for drinking and cooking of foods that absorb water (like pasta).
• Use formula that does not require adding water or use bottled water to make.
• The water is safe to use for washing foods, brushing teeth, bathing and showering.
• For older children and adults, who are less sensitive to shorter-term exposures to these chemicals, the health advisory value is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the water. Thus, no additional precautions are recommended for these groups while the levels are being evaluated and reduced. If you are concerned, use of bottled water will reduce your exposure."

PFOA and PFOS exposure has been linked to cancer and thyroid disease.

The most likely source of PFOS is from the use of firefighting foams at the Barnstable County Firefighter Training Academy, officials said Thursday.

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Photo: Steve Johnson via Flickr