GENERAL INFORMATION
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals applied to many consumer goods to make them waterproof, stain resistant, or nonstick. PFAS are also used in products like cosmetics, fast food packaging, and a type of firefighting foam called aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) which are used mainly on large spills of flammable liquids, such as jet fuel. Because PFAS are very long-lasting and are not easily broken down by sunlight or other natural processes, they may remain in water for many years.
HEALTH EFFECTS
There are many chemicals in the PFAS family, and they may cause different health effects if you are exposed to them. Some, but not all, studies in humans with PFAS exposure have shown that certain PFAS may: • Affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and children; • Lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant; • Interfere with the body’s natural hormones; • Increase cholesterol levels; • Affect the immune system; or • Increase the risk of certain cancers.
Young children, infants, and unborn babies may be at more risk of health effects.
Scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposures to mixtures of PFAS. Laboratory animals exposed to high doses of one or more PFAS chemicals have shown changes in liver, thyroid, and pancreas function, as well as some changes in hormone levels. Because animals and humans process these chemicals differently, more research will help scientists fully understand how PFAS affect human health.
AESTHETIC EFFECTS
A person will not be able to see, smell, or taste PFAS in his or her drinking water.
ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The PFBS level detected in your water sample exceeds the Ohio Action Level in Drinking Water of 2,100 ppt (ng/L), also known as state action level (SAL)..
ACTION IS OPTIONAL
PFBS was detected in your water sample but does not exceed the Ohio Action Level in Drinking Water of 2,100 ppt (ng/L), also known as state action level (SAL)..