Three Massachusetts municipalities made it into a June summary compiling national statistics for rates of "forever chemicals" in cities and towns across America.
Cape Cod's Hyannis, Mass., nears the top of the list, coming in at #3 in the ranking for having some of the highest PFAS levels among the cities tested. Hyannis' public water supply was tested at 855 parts per trillion (ppt), which is the highest level in the state and third nationally after San Luis Obispo, Calif. (931ppt) and Issaquah, WA (916ppt).
The list was compiled from public data by WaterFilterGuru, a water sector research and resource company.
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals present in everyday consumer products that have leaked into the soil, air, and water. They have been nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they linger indefinitely in our bodies and the environment.
Interest in forever chemicals is on the rise. According to Google Trends, the search volume for “what states have the most PFAS in water” has increased 600% in the past 12 months. Additionally, inquiries about “how to get rid of forever chemicals in body” have spiked 324%. PFAS have been linked to potential health problems, so it’s no wonder health-conscious Americans are educating themselves on the dangers of these contaminants.
If Hyannis is at the top of the nation's cities for PFAS levels in public drinking water, two Massachusetts towns—Agawam and Wayland—are testing among the lowest among the 50 cities and towns across America listed in the report.
With 1.3ppt, Agawam Massachusetts came in at the nation's 10th lowest level of PFAS based on testing data. Wayland, MA, with 3ppt, came in at #21 for the lowest PFAS testing levels in the country.
Other towns that register lowest PFAS testing levels include Sausalito, CA (0ppt), Los Angeles (.2ppt) and Pueblo, CO (.4ppt).
The study also states that nearly 1 in 4 Americans are unaware of PFAS in their water, so this might be a good opportunity for you to learn more. These synthetic chemicals that have made their way into our soil, air, and water aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Read the full study to find out what you can do on the small scale to avoid your exposure to PFAS and on the large scale to keep them out of the environment.
