Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 7, 2024 9:42 pm GMT
Two Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) have been identified with elevated levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in their drinking water. Testing at South Carroll High School and Winfield Elementary School revealed PFAS concentrations exceeding the new regulatory limits, prompting immediate safety measures from the school district.
Findings and Immediate Responses
In July, water samples taken at South Carroll High School showed levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at 15.6 parts per trillion (PPT) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) at 12.7 PPT. At Winfield Elementary, the samples revealed 11.5 PPT of PFOA and 5.42 PPT of PFOS. These figures are significantly above the newly established limit of 4 PPT for both compounds, which was finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April 2023.
As a precaution, CCPS has disabled water fountains at the affected schools and is providing either bottled water or point-of-use filtered water to ensure the safety of students and faculty. This decision aligns with a broader trend of increased scrutiny on PFAS levels in drinking water across various jurisdictions in Maryland.
Regulatory Context
Before April 2023, there were no legal limits for PFAS in drinking water, with only the EPA’s guidance recommending a maximum of 70 PPT. The recent regulatory changes now require public water systems to comply with the lower 4 PPT limit and to monitor water regularly, making the results publicly available by 2027. However, the timeline for compliance has begun to place pressure on local water systems throughout the state, as municipalities and schools contend with the implications of these new standards.
Wider Implications for Maryland’s Schools
The increase in reported PFAS levels is not isolated to Carroll County. In recent weeks, 12 school facilities in Baltimore County and Harford County have also been found to have elevated PFAS levels. This prompted a city-wide investigation into public water systems to address potential risks that these chemicals pose, particularly for children who are often more vulnerable to environmental toxins.
The Maryland Department of the Environment is actively involved in addressing the contamination issue, with wide-reaching tests conducted across different schools and districts. In total, eight Frederick County Public Schools have been cited for similar violations, revealing the pervasive nature of PFAS in the region’s public water systems.
The Deleterious Effects of PFAS
PFAS, often termed “forever chemicals,” are synthetic substances that do not naturally break down in the environment. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to various serious health conditions, including cancer and immune system issues. The EPA has emphasized the importance of reducing exposure, especially for children whose developing bodies may be more susceptible to these toxic substances.
The recent findings at CCPS are part of a growing nationwide concern regarding PFAS contamination. Public health officials continue to warn about the health risks associated with regular consumption of contaminated drinking water. Children, being particularly at risk, remain a focal point in state and national health campaigns aimed at reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
Community Response and Future Actions
The local communities impacted by these findings have expressed concern and a desire for immediate action. Parents, educators, and health advocates have been vocal in calling for transparency and more robust measures to ensure that schools provide safe drinking water. The availability of bottled and filtered water has been well received, but community members stress that long-term solutions are essential.
Efforts are also underway at the state level to assess the safety of agricultural pesticides known to contain PFAS, as well as to limit future contamination sources. Maryland may consider legislation in upcoming sessions to restrict the use of harmful substances contributing to PFAS pollution.
Technological Solutions
In response to the PFAS crisis, several technological options have gained traction as potential solutions for contaminant reduction in drinking water. Systems utilizing reverse osmosis filters and activated carbon have been identified as effective in removing PFAS from water supplies. Policymakers are encouraged to explore funding opportunities from federal initiatives, such as President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law, which allocates $9 billion specifically for PFAS pollution and $12 billion for drinking water improvements.
These advancements play a crucial role in collaborative efforts between local governments, environmental agencies, and health organizations to address the contamination issue and protect public health.
Looking Ahead
Stakeholders hope that by increasing awareness and advocacy, further regulatory measures can be implemented to safeguard drinking water across Maryland. As residents move toward the election period, many are calling for officials who prioritize clean drinking water initiatives, urging voters to reject candidates who may roll back gains made in environmental protections.
It’s really important for community members, parents, and health professionals to keep talking about the risks of PFAS exposure. As we test and learn more about these substances, it’s essential to raise awareness about their possible health effects. This way, we can help create a safer place for everyone, especially for our kids.
