Chemicals In Ohio Drinking Water To Be Studied

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio officials will analyze the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Ohio's drinking water. The man-made chemicals are used in several products, like carpeting and cookware, and their health impacts are not fully known.

“Right now, we just don’t know if these chemicals have a widespread presence in Ohio’s water supply or not, and I’ve asked the directors of both the Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Health to develop a plan to find out,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “This is important for both the protection of our natural resources and for public health, which is why we must more fully evaluate the prevalence of PFAS in our water.”

PFAS are prevalent in products like upholstery, food packaging and firefighting foams. PFAS contamination can migrate through soil and can contaminate surface and ground waters. There are two chemicals in the PFAS family — PFOA and PFOS — which could negatively impact health, DeWine's office said.

There are currently no drinking water standards for PFAS compounds, but the U.S. EPA established a health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.

The Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health have been asked to create an action plan to test public and private water systems that are near known PFAS sources. The plan should be created by December 1, 2019, DeWine' office said.

The agencies will also be asked to develop a strategy to work with communities and private well owners if high-levels of PFAS are found.

“We don’t yet fully understand what health problems may be caused by PFAS or at what levels in the body,” said ODH Director Dr. Amy Acton. “Different chemicals in the PFAS family may cause different health problems, and some studies have shown a relationship between PFAS chemicals in the body and a higher chance of certain diseases.”

In May 2019, Patch reported on a new study that found PFAS sites in Ohio and throughout the nation. At least six water systems in Ohio tested positive for PFAS contamination.

DeWine is also asking the federal government to issue guidance on the PFAS issue, and to possibly support funding infrastructure improvements.

“Implementing a statewide action plan is important because it provides a pathway for ODH and Ohio EPA to work together and in partnership with key stakeholders to more fully evaluate the risks of PFAS and assist our communities in addressing these risks,” said Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson.