How to limit ‘forever chemicals’ intake
These chemicals are now found in the blood of every American tested, as we have been exposed in multiple ways over many years.
Over the summer, The Bridge published an article about Acton’s water supply and the need for PFAS contamination removal, which won’t be possible until updated filtration is added to our public water system.
I hope the article will be reposted on the website along with this letter of concern. Many residents have become aware of chemicals in our public water supply that have negative health effects, but PFAS/PFOA and the 1,000 related chemicals that are “forever” chemicals have unique traits that should alarm all of us.
These chemicals are now found in the blood of every American tested, as we have been exposed in multiple ways over many years, and they do not degrade naturally. They accumulate in our environment, our water supplies, and our bodies and are known to cause a range of serious health risks, including cancer and immune system dysfunction.
Until the town begins to address the problem, I encourage every resident to filter your water by one of the three ways to remove PFAS/PFOA: reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and/or activated carbon filtration. Filtering drinking water, at least, will prevent you and your children and pets from consuming more PFAS/PFOA.
Be aware that not every filtration method removes PFAS; for instance, your refrigerator water filter does not remove PFAS. Look for filters that meet the NSF/ANSI 53 standard.
Valerie Tratnyek
Hill Street
