Recent research and factual developments have laid bare a national health crisis that we can’t turn our backs on. It concerns a dangerous chemical known as PFA (polyfluorinated akyl) which has become deeply endemic in our environment; is ubiquitous in our water bodies, our streams and our ground water; and has been detected in public water supplies in 49 states.
The health impacts are disastrous. PFA causes arrested brain development in babies in the womb, in infants and in young children, is irreversible and its effects last forever. It also has been shown to cause cancer in adults, immune complications, metabolic disorders, arrested neuro-development and lifelong mental capacity struggles. Extrapolation of studies done on small sub-groups of adults across the country has reached early conclusions that over 95% of adults have some level of PFAs in their blood.
One must wonder why this crisis is just coming to light. Some of the problem can be attributed to EPA stonewalling, lowering of the Clean Water Act standards and drastic cuts to the EPA budget, with further cuts of 31% planned, all leading to real human consequences.
We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and wait for the results of a new election; we must act now. Federal resources must be brought to bear and more funding for child mental health services must be allocated.
Public water supply companies must invest in activated carbon columns and reverse osmosis capabilities to remove PFAs and engage in higher levels of testing to assure a safe water supply.
While PFAs are no longer produced in this country, they continue to be imported and are extensively used in many industrial applications. Safe alternatives must be found.
The list of industrial uses of PFAs and its chemical counterparts is enormous and is increasing as more uses are researched.
You will find the current known uses to be alarming and surprising. The follow names a few: pizza delivery boxes, take-out food cartons, non-stick frying pans, dental floss, water-repellant clothing, fire-retardant clothing and fire-retardant foam.
A little about me! I might best be described as an angry 80-year-old whistle-blower who will stand by you in taking on this crisis.
Dave WuchertDolores
