You might have read recent news reports about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (together abbreviated as PFASs). These are a class of human-made chemicals typically associated with manufacturing of non-stick coatings, and water proofing and stain proofing treatments. They have also been associated with certain fire-fighting foams.
The US EPA has issued health advisories of 70 parts per trillion for two of the perflourinated compounds (they have also been called PFCs, a larger group of perfluorinated chemicals that include PFASs) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of the PFAS chemicals. Massachusetts and other states have also taken action to set guidelines or conduct additional sampling.
Woburn and MWRA drinking water sources have been tested for PFASs and the results came back negative.
Below is a list of the PFASs that Woburn and MWRA tested for and did not find:
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
- Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
- Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
- Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
If you have any further questions, please contact Woburn Water Department at 781-897-5945 or go to MWRA.com.