Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 8, 2024 4:20 am GMT
Elevated PFAS Levels Detected in Carroll County Schools, Raising Public Health Concerns
Recent testing has revealed concerning levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” in the drinking water of two Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) — South Carroll High School and Winfield Elementary School. The results follow an investigation where multiple schools in the Baltimore and Harford County areas were confirmed to have similar issues, highlighting a potential public health crisis affecting students and staff in the region.
As reported, the Maryland Department of the Environment conducted the tests as part of an ongoing effort to identify and mitigate risks associated with these harmful chemicals. The findings not only comply with recent regulatory changes but also indicate an urgent need for action to ensure safe drinking water for all students.
After the testing, CCPS shut off the water fountains at both schools and has begun providing either bottled water or point-of-use filtered water as an interim measure to protect the health of its students and staff.
Background on PFAS and Regulatory Standards
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industrial applications and consumer products for decades. They are notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body, leading to their nickname “forever chemicals.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that long-term exposure to PFAS can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Before April 2023, the EPA recommended a non-enforceable guidance level of 70 parts per trillion (PPT) for PFAS in drinking water. However, in a significant shift, new regulations established an enforceable limit of 4 PPT for specific PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Public water systems are required to comply with these new standards by 2027.
Testing Results from Carroll County Schools
According to the water sampling conducted in July by CCPS, South Carroll High School tested positive for 15.6 PPT of PFOA and 12.7 PPT of PFOS—both well above the newly established limits. Similarly, Winfield Elementary School had detectable levels of 11.50 PPT of PFOA and 5.42 PPT of PFOS.
These results highlight the growing prevalence of PFAS contamination across educational facilities in the state. Additionally, recent investigations have unveiled that eight schools within the Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) system also reported elevated PFAS levels, signaling a broader issue within Maryland’s water systems.
Actions Taken by Local Authorities
The swift response from CCPS mirrors initiatives underway in Frederick County, where officials notified affected students, staff, and families about the elevated PFAS levels late last week. Multiple testing sites, including wells serving educational facilities, were monitored, leading to the discovery of contamination. The following schools have been identified with elevated PFAS levels:
- School 1
- School 2
- School 3
- School 4
- School 5
- School 6
- School 7
- School 8
The Maryland Department of the Environment, in coordination with local school systems, is implementing measures to address the issue, including ongoing monitoring and potential remediation strategies.
Health Implications and Community Concerns
Community members and health experts are increasingly concerned about the implications of PFAS exposure, particularly in children who may be more vulnerable to its effects. Dr. Michael Ichniowski, a pediatrician, emphasized the urgent need for clean drinking water, citing long-term exposure risks associated with these chemicals.
Experts suggest that the state needs to continue advancing regulatory strategies that prioritize child health while ensuring compliance with EPA standards. Bottled water, while a temporary solution, is not monitored under the new regulatory framework, prompting calls for additional measures to safeguard public health.
Future Legislative Measures and Public Awareness
Efforts to combat PFAS pollution are gaining momentum, with proposed legislative measures set to be discussed in upcoming sessions. Maryland’s government is exploring options to ban pesticides that contain PFAS, as over 1,000 of the 14,000 pesticides approved in the state may contribute to the contamination burden.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed under President Biden, allocated significant funding aimed specifically at mitigating PFAS pollution and improving drinking water infrastructure. This could lead to substantive changes in how water safety is approached at both the state and local levels.
Technological Solutions and Community Resources
Some technology options exist that can help eliminate PFAS from drinking water, such as reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon filters. There is a growing call for schools and local municipalities to adopt these technologies while seeking funding and guidance from state agencies.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed about water safety in their local areas, advocate for water testing, and take proactive measures to protect their families’ health. School officials stress the importance of transparency and communication to ensure that families are equipped with the necessary information regarding the safety of drinking water in schools.
Conclusion and Next Steps
PFAS was found in schools in Carroll County and Frederick County, and this has worried many people, including health advocates, teachers, and community members. As more people learn about this problem, local leaders need to take quick action to keep students healthy and follow new rules. Maryland wants to tackle this contamination issue by being open about what’s happening and looking for new technology and laws to make sure everyone has safe drinking water.
