National study shows PFAS contamination in most American waterways tested
A nationwide analysis released this month by the research group Environment America reveals that PFAS has been found in most American waterways tested in recent years. That finding holds true for waterways tested in North Carolina as well.
Analysis of federal, state and non-profit testing data between 2022 and 2024 shows that PFAS, a group of long-lasting pollutants often referred to as “forever chemicals” and which present serious public health concerns due to their lasting toxic effects, were detected at 83% out of 1,602 waterways tested across the United States. Environment America’s report continues to say that “the contamination they reveal is likely just the tip of the iceberg, as many waterways are not tested for PFAS at all.”
North Carolina specific data
The report includes data showing that 25 of 29 waterways in North Carolina tested by conservation groups showed PFAS contamination. Nineteen of the rivers tested showed contamination above 4 parts per trillion, the legal limit for most PFAS compounds in drinking water, and 13 of those showed contamination above 10 parts per trillion for some other PFAS compounds, like GenX.
In North Carolina, the most well-documented example of serious PFAS pollution is associated with GenX from the DuPont/Chemours Fayetteville Works plant on the Cape Fear River.
Long-term exposure to certain PFAS is associated with increased risk of some cancers, immune system suppression, reproductive and developmental effects, and other adverse health outcomes. Not only can PFAS in drinking water supplies accumulate directly in human bodies, but evidence is also emerging that PFAS bioaccumulate in certain freshwater fish consumed by humans.
PFAS has become an increased environmental concern as well as health concern for people, and the food and water they consume.