The tobacco industry ran this same playbook for decades — lobbying firms collecting checks from cancer researchers with one hand and cigarette companies with the other. Nobody had to choose then either. We called it corruption. We should call it that now.
This is an excellent article. And we absolutely need to get these chemicals banned from use and enable the protection of our drinking water (and awareness of other sources of exposure) - and begin the cleanup of the mess. Because of pervasive nature of the "forever" chemicals, this will likely take decades. And it can't begin until PFAS is eliminated from use and the restrictions are properly enforced.
Instead, I wanted share thoughts on steps residents can take when faced with PFAS exposure - particularly in drinking water. I live downstream from a huge environmental disaster in Washington New Jersey that has been unfolding for years. https://response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=16763 Back in the 1950s-1970s, a textile company was selling its PFAS waste as a SOIL ENHANCER to local farmers to spread on their fields. A few years ago, routine testing of private wells close to those farm fields discovered massive contamination with levels up to 18,997 parts per trillion (ppt) total PFAS in drinking water. This is likely the highest levels ever measure in New Jersey and among the highest ever measured in the US.
To put it in context, New Jersey was the first state to regulate PFAS in drinking water in 2018. The maximum levels of 14 ppt for PFOA, 13 ppt for PFOS and PFNA (just different components of the family of PFAS chemicals). The federal government subsequently enacted regulations in 2024 - but surprisingly at a much lower level: PFOA and PFOS at 4.0 ppt. But this low level was chosen because of technical feasibility - not safety: 'The EPA aims for ZERO exposure to PFOA/PFOS, considering them unsafe at ANY level, but set the enforceable limit at the lowest feasible level for water systems'. To give a visual, 4 parts per trillion (ppt) would be one drop in FIVE Olympic sized swimming pools. It is a VERY small amount. And even this amount is not considered safe. Most insidious, because these materials are "forever chemicals" they accumulate in our bodies over time. It is the slow accumulation due to chronic exposure that is the primary concern.
Sadly, but understandably there was much fear and confusion within the community as a result of this environmental disaster in Washington NJ. Fear of the unknown. My takeaways: 1) If there is reason to suspect PFAS water contamination, get it tested and find out! 2) Make decisions based on real data - not on what you don't know! 3) Put the risk of exposure in context - how does your water compare to what you ingest from your non-stick pan or other exposures?? 4) Consider sensible ways to mitigate the risk. The EPA directly recommended to me that carbon-based filters (specifically the in-line type seen in refrigerators - the pitcher-type are NOT as good) are effective ways of removing low level PFAS. There are scientific publications that support this. Unfortunately, the PFAS "certification" aspects for individual filters and devices are difficult to navigate (I wish this was easier), but the EPA advised that in-line carbon filters are a great and cost-effective way to guard against low level PFAS exposure from drinking water - change the filters regularly as recommended the manufacturer. Moderate levels require professionally installed whole house filters, while the highest levels observed in my local incident cannot be treated. And don't think that because you have city water rather than a well that your water is not at risk. At that EPA community event, it was revealed that our local city water passed the New Jersey limits of PFOA and PFOS of 13-14 ppt but FAILED the more stringent EPA PFOA and PFOS limits of 4.0 ppt......
Keep fighting this, folks - PFAS is nasty stuff. Keep yourself educated and stay informed.
This is great. The PFAS pollution issue and overall tobacco toxicity may actually be related through biosolids beneficial reuse. Given the state of the science, it makes a lot of sense conceptually.
Dear Erin, huge fan here. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Could you help a proud rape survivor protect THOUSANDS of fellow survivors, just like him? It’s not just The White House covering for abusers - it’s also the state of California. We saw Eric Swalwell resign in disgrace. But Gavin Newsom is also guilty - the California Victims Compensation Board (Cal VCB) is illegally delaying/rejecting benefits to THOUSANDS of survivors of violence, in essence RE-VICTIMIZING US. My accusations are supported by bad state & federal audits alike. My accusations are further corroborated by a major court loss in which Cal VCB tried to argue that fellow survivors are not entitled to be present at our own hearings - Cal VCB actually tried to argue they can decide whatever they want behind closed doors! A judge ruled this a violation of the 14th amendment. Source: https://laist.com/news/criminal-justice/california-crime-victim-fund-ordered-to-change-course
Morgan, I’ve been unemployed nearly 3 years. Despite that, I spent nearly $3,000 of my own money. Among 2 Masters of Science, I’m also a Certified Internal Auditor with almost 15 years in federal government. Do you know our most important oath? To hold the safety & well-being public paramount above all else. I come to you for help, help honor my oath. Will you sign & share? Link: https://www.change.org/p/state-federal-congressional-investigation-into-the-california-victims-compensation-board
Excellent research here thank you for sharing
It feels like one step forward three steps back. We know the problem. We just don’t deal with it. Thank you for the investigation.
PFAS - TOXIC, TOXIC, TOXIC. Others plastics not much better! All breakdown into powder and end up in our water. UNAVOIDABLE!
"We're in big trouble if we don't start taking action... It's a human rights issue."
Erin Brockovich
Thank you Erin!! 💪💛👊👏
Cut to the chase & get the top water filter www.multipure.com/pcrawford
The tobacco industry ran this same playbook for decades — lobbying firms collecting checks from cancer researchers with one hand and cigarette companies with the other. Nobody had to choose then either. We called it corruption. We should call it that now.
This is an excellent article. And we absolutely need to get these chemicals banned from use and enable the protection of our drinking water (and awareness of other sources of exposure) - and begin the cleanup of the mess. Because of pervasive nature of the "forever" chemicals, this will likely take decades. And it can't begin until PFAS is eliminated from use and the restrictions are properly enforced.
Instead, I wanted share thoughts on steps residents can take when faced with PFAS exposure - particularly in drinking water. I live downstream from a huge environmental disaster in Washington New Jersey that has been unfolding for years. https://response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=16763 Back in the 1950s-1970s, a textile company was selling its PFAS waste as a SOIL ENHANCER to local farmers to spread on their fields. A few years ago, routine testing of private wells close to those farm fields discovered massive contamination with levels up to 18,997 parts per trillion (ppt) total PFAS in drinking water. This is likely the highest levels ever measure in New Jersey and among the highest ever measured in the US.
To put it in context, New Jersey was the first state to regulate PFAS in drinking water in 2018. The maximum levels of 14 ppt for PFOA, 13 ppt for PFOS and PFNA (just different components of the family of PFAS chemicals). The federal government subsequently enacted regulations in 2024 - but surprisingly at a much lower level: PFOA and PFOS at 4.0 ppt. But this low level was chosen because of technical feasibility - not safety: 'The EPA aims for ZERO exposure to PFOA/PFOS, considering them unsafe at ANY level, but set the enforceable limit at the lowest feasible level for water systems'. To give a visual, 4 parts per trillion (ppt) would be one drop in FIVE Olympic sized swimming pools. It is a VERY small amount. And even this amount is not considered safe. Most insidious, because these materials are "forever chemicals" they accumulate in our bodies over time. It is the slow accumulation due to chronic exposure that is the primary concern.
Sadly, but understandably there was much fear and confusion within the community as a result of this environmental disaster in Washington NJ. Fear of the unknown. My takeaways: 1) If there is reason to suspect PFAS water contamination, get it tested and find out! 2) Make decisions based on real data - not on what you don't know! 3) Put the risk of exposure in context - how does your water compare to what you ingest from your non-stick pan or other exposures?? 4) Consider sensible ways to mitigate the risk. The EPA directly recommended to me that carbon-based filters (specifically the in-line type seen in refrigerators - the pitcher-type are NOT as good) are effective ways of removing low level PFAS. There are scientific publications that support this. Unfortunately, the PFAS "certification" aspects for individual filters and devices are difficult to navigate (I wish this was easier), but the EPA advised that in-line carbon filters are a great and cost-effective way to guard against low level PFAS exposure from drinking water - change the filters regularly as recommended the manufacturer. Moderate levels require professionally installed whole house filters, while the highest levels observed in my local incident cannot be treated. And don't think that because you have city water rather than a well that your water is not at risk. At that EPA community event, it was revealed that our local city water passed the New Jersey limits of PFOA and PFOS of 13-14 ppt but FAILED the more stringent EPA PFOA and PFOS limits of 4.0 ppt......
Keep fighting this, folks - PFAS is nasty stuff. Keep yourself educated and stay informed.
Would you please read this and restack it? Everyone needs to know about this before the midterms. https://barrye54.substack.com/p/what-the-closure-of-my-friends-trucking?r=5h4js3&utm_medium=ios
This is great. The PFAS pollution issue and overall tobacco toxicity may actually be related through biosolids beneficial reuse. Given the state of the science, it makes a lot of sense conceptually.
Dear Erin, huge fan here. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Could you help a proud rape survivor protect THOUSANDS of fellow survivors, just like him? It’s not just The White House covering for abusers - it’s also the state of California. We saw Eric Swalwell resign in disgrace. But Gavin Newsom is also guilty - the California Victims Compensation Board (Cal VCB) is illegally delaying/rejecting benefits to THOUSANDS of survivors of violence, in essence RE-VICTIMIZING US. My accusations are supported by bad state & federal audits alike. My accusations are further corroborated by a major court loss in which Cal VCB tried to argue that fellow survivors are not entitled to be present at our own hearings - Cal VCB actually tried to argue they can decide whatever they want behind closed doors! A judge ruled this a violation of the 14th amendment. Source: https://laist.com/news/criminal-justice/california-crime-victim-fund-ordered-to-change-course
Morgan, I’ve been unemployed nearly 3 years. Despite that, I spent nearly $3,000 of my own money. Among 2 Masters of Science, I’m also a Certified Internal Auditor with almost 15 years in federal government. Do you know our most important oath? To hold the safety & well-being public paramount above all else. I come to you for help, help honor my oath. Will you sign & share? Link: https://www.change.org/p/state-federal-congressional-investigation-into-the-california-victims-compensation-board
Researchers say its the gloves they wear!
who are the hardcore fascists who think there’s even 1 single law that’s not a scam, but actually helps the people ?!?
Could we just get the government COMPLETELY THE FUCK OUT OF OUR HEALTH??
We’ll handle it thanks.
Execute the lot of them
The real problem is No Compliance, No Follow Up and Even you ms. Brokovich don’t respond!