State and local officials in Truro, Massachusetts, discovered PFAS contamination in five private wells, exposing families to dangerous "forever chemicals" that threaten their health.
It highlights a growing national crisis.
What's happening?
Government employees found PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in private wells downhill from town facilities after conducting voluntary testing beginning in 2023, according to The Provincetown Independent.
These synthetic chemicals don't break down in the environment or within human bodies and have been linked to cancer, liver damage, immune system harm, and reproductive issues, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Four contaminated wells sat downhill from the town's Department of Public Works facility, where years of dumping sediments from storm drains created a contamination hotspot. A fifth well tested positive near the transfer station.
"Our concern is for the folks who haven't given us permission to test yet," said Health and Conservation Agent Emily Beebe, per the Independent. "This can be mitigated. It's not the end of the world if you have PFAS in your well."
Perk up the winter blues with natural, hemp-derived gummies Camino's hemp-derived gummies naturally support balance and recovery without disrupting your routine, so you can enjoy reliable, consistent dosing without guesswork or habit-forming ingredients. Flavors like sparkling pear for social events and tropical-burst for recovery deliver a sophisticated, elevated taste experience — and orchard peach for balance offers everyday support for managing stress while staying clear-headed and elevated.
Learn more → |
Beebe added that bottled water will be provided to affected residents, and a point-of-entry system will be installed. The town will also conduct years of monitoring and maintenance at no cost to the homeowner.
"We're trying to do the right thing," added Beebe. "This is about your health."
Why is PFAS contamination concerning?
PFAS chemicals resist breakdown, moving quickly through the environment and making contamination hard to contain. They can also negatively impact people's health, even at extremely low exposure levels.
The town found contamination levels ranging from low concentrations to 28 parts per trillion — well above the established safety thresholds.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Majorly 😥 Manufacturers have used PFAS for decades in everyday products like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging, often without disclosing their presence to consumers.
What's being done about PFAS contamination?
Truro, which is located near the tip of Cape Cod, just south of Provincetown, immediately provided bottled water to affected families and installed point-of-entry treatment systems costing over $8,000 each. The town plans a $3.2 million remediation project to stop PFAS from leaching into the groundwater.
Multiple companies have also pledged to eliminate PFAS from their products, and people can reduce their exposure risks by avoiding nonstick cookware and checking for PFAS-free labels on textiles.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
