CLIFF NOTES PFAS “forever chemicals” have contaminated drinking water, soil, and rivers in Northwest Georgia, with impacts reaching downstream into Alabama. Investigators linked major PFAS releases to stain-resistant chemicals used in carpet manufacturing around Dalton, the “carpet capital of the world.” Records reviewed by journalists show Shaw and Mohawk received warnings about PFAS risks dating … Read more
CLIFF NOTES Robeson County supplies drinking water with unsafe PFAS levels to 66,000 people. The Rocco Plant has the highest PFAS levels in treated water in North Carolina. A nearby county-run landfill likely causes the contamination by leaking PFAS. Every home tested near the plant had PFAS levels above EPA limits. SELC plans to sue … Read more
CLIFF NOTES A USGS study found PFAS in 45% of US tap water. The study tested water from 716 locations between 2016 and 2021. PFAS are man-made chemicals that don’t break down naturally. These chemicals are linked to cancer, birth issues, and other health risks. Over 99% of Americans have PFAS in their blood, according … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● PFAS were detected in nearly all tested private wells across rural Virginia.● Contamination was found even outside municipal water systems.● Long-term exposure remains a concern despite generally low detected levels.● Private wells are not subject to the same monitoring as public systems.● Regular testing and filtration help reduce household risk. Across Virginia, … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● Research links PFAS exposure to significantly higher infant mortality rates.● Increased risks include premature birth and low birth weight.● Effects were observed in communities with documented PFAS contamination.● PFAS persist in drinking water long after contamination occurs.● Reducing exposure is critical for pregnant women and infants. A new study from the University … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● Biosolids used as fertilizer may contain PFAS chemicals.● Virginia does not currently require PFAS testing of biosolids.● Residents fear contamination of soil, groundwater, and drinking water.● Other states have moved to restrict PFAS-laden sludge.● Regulatory gaps leave communities responsible for monitoring risk. In Virginia, the path from household or industrial waste to … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● The EPA approved new pesticides containing PFAS compounds.● The chemicals are classified as ultrashort-chain PFAS.● Critics warn persistence still poses environmental risk.● PFAS from pesticides can migrate into soil and water.● The approval highlights regulatory disagreement over PFAS safety. The Environmental Protection Agency has approved two pesticides that contain PFAS, a group … Read more
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a draft pollution discharge permit for the Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plant. This move has sparked concern from environmental advocates and residents, as the permit, if finalized, would allow the facility to release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into nearby waterways. These include Four Mile … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● PFAS detected in additional NC water systems.● Millions more residents may be exposed.● Utilities face compliance challenges.● Health risks are well documented.● Treatment upgrades are ongoing. In recent months, federal environmental testing has shed light on an expanding water contamination crisis. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported the presence of toxic “forever … Read more
CLIFF NOTES● Small and rural systems face PFAS contamination.● Limited funding slows treatment upgrades.● Residents face prolonged exposure.● Federal aid can be delayed.● Point-of-use filtration offers protection. Recent data released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exposed the breadth of PFAS contamination across the nation’s drinking water systems. A USA TODAY analysis … Read more