Read the full article by Roger Warburton (eco RI news)
“The Rhode Island Department of Health recently released data accumulated during its testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 2019. The agency tested every major drinking-water supply in the state and the water in every school that had its own well(s). In all, 87 percent of Rhode Islanders had their primary source of water tested.
PFAS chemicals never break down in the environment and can stay in the human body for many years.
Local researchers have linked these fluorinated chemicals to thyroid disease, low birth weight, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists at the Environmental Working Group and Indiana University have conducted a review of 26 PFAS and found that all display at least one characteristic of known human carcinogens. The study, published March 4 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found that the most well-studied PFAS compounds — PFOA, formerly used by DuPont to make Teflon, and PFOS, formerly an ingredient in 3M’s Scotchgard — exhibit up to five key carcinogenic characteristics.
Moving the mouse over any of the information icons in the downloadable map will present a summary of the testing at that site. Green icons represent sites where no PFAS were detected. Darker red icons represent sites where PFAS were detected…”