. | City of BellBrook, Ohio
. | City of BellBrook, Ohio
The City of Bellbrook contracted a group of attorneys to represent the City in a claim against several chemical companies for exposure of PFAS (per-and polyflouroalkyl substances) to our water resources. Although the City's driking water is safe, PFAS levels are present in the aquifer where water is sourced but far below Ohio EPA Action Levels. The goal of the City is to be proactive in protecting water resources to continue providing safe and clean drinking water for the community.
Some Common Questions:
What are PFAS?
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. PFAS are classified as contaminants of emerging concern, meaning that research into the harm they may cause to human health is still ongoing. The most commonly studied PFAS are perfuorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Source: Ohio EPA
What levels of PFAS are in the water and how did they get there?
PFAS have been detected in the water resources where Bellbrook wells pump water for distribution; however the levels detected are below the Ohio EPA Action Levels. PFAS can enter drinking water at sites where they are made, used, disposed of, or spilled. PFAS can be found in the air near manufacturing facilities and can enter rainwater. PFAS are very mobile and can be transported through rainwater run-off and enter surface water (lakes, ponds, etc.) or seep through the soil and migrate into ground water (underground sources of drinking water). Because PFAS are very long-lasting and are not easily broken down by sunlight or other natural processes, they may remain in the environment for many years. Source: Ohio EPA
Are there other sources of PFAS, and can they be prevented?
Completely stopping exposure to PFAS is not practical because they are so common and present throughout the world. PFAS exposure through drinking water can be reduced by treating the water using reverse osmosis or certified carbon filtration units, or by using an alternative source of water that is not contaminated. In general, dermal contact with water is not a health concern because PFAS are not readily absorbed through the skin. Using water that contains PFAS for showering, bathing, laundry, or household cleaning is generally safe.Because many household products like carpeting and upholstery contain PFAS, ingestion of household dust can also be a route of exposure, especially for infants and young children through hand to mouth contact. Dust household surfaces regularly to lower the amount of dust in the house. PFAS are also present in many consumer products like cosmetics, fast food packaging, and goods that are made to be waterproof, stain resistant, or nonstick. Learning about the presence of PFAS in consumer products and avoiding or limiting exposure to these products can help reduce PFAS exposures. Source: Ohio EPA
Why a Lawsuit, and what is the plan?
The City of Bellbrook places the highest priority on providing safe and clean drinking water to the community. PFAS is an emerging contaminant and science continues evolving to assess the effects and remedies of PFAS both in water and the environment. It is believed the companies responsible for the manufacturing of the chemicals and products released them with knowledge that PFAS would be released into the environment, including the water sources.
As more knowledge emerges about PFAS, the companies who developed them should be responsible for identifying remediation and monitoring methods and provide payment for the costs in doing so. The lawsuit is to make a claim for those companies to do just that.
The City plans on this lawsuit to expose more information about these chemicals and how to best deal with them currently and proactively all while avoiding additional cost to our residents.
Where can I get more detailed information about PFAS including testing, results, and the action plan?
Original source can be found here.
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