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PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Found in Water at 10 Harford County Schools as Students Return
Toxic chemicals found in water at 10 Harford County schools as students start classes
Parents and students in Harford County, Maryland are worried after learning that PFAS “forever chemicals” have been found in the water at 10 schools.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been linked to various adverse health effects, including cancer, developmental problems, and immune system damage.
School district officials say they are working to address the issue and have taken steps to provide bottled water to students at the affected schools.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products, including nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics.
PFAS have been found to be resistant to heat, water, and oil, which makes them ideal for use in various applications.
However, these same properties also make PFAS highly persistent in the environment and the human body, leading to concerns about their potential health effects.
Health Effects of PFAS
PFAS have been linked to various adverse health effects, including:
- Cancer
- Developmental problems
- Immune system damage
- Thyroid disease
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
PFAS can enter the body through contaminated food, water, or air.
Once in the body, PFAS can accumulate and remain for long periods of time.
PFAS in Harford County Schools
The Harford County school district began testing its water in 2021 after concerns were raised about PFAS contamination at military bases in the area.
The testing revealed that 10 schools had PFAS levels that exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt).
The affected schools are:
- Aberdeen Elementary School
- Bel Air Elementary School
- Edgewood Elementary School
- Joppatowne Elementary School
- Magnolia Elementary School
- North Harford High School
- Patterson Mill High School
- Prospect Mill Elementary School
- Roye-Williams Elementary School
- West Harford Elementary School
What is the School District Doing?
School district officials say they are working to address the issue and have taken the following steps:
- Provided bottled water to students at the affected schools
- Began installing water filtration systems at the affected schools
- Working with the Maryland Department of the Environment to investigate the source of the contamination
- Developing a long-term plan to address PFAS contamination in the school district
What Can Parents Do?
Parents are concerned about the potential health effects of PFAS on their children.
The school district recommends that parents take the following steps:
- Have their children drink bottled water at school
- Avoid drinking from water fountains at the affected schools
- Contact the school district with any questions or concerns
Conclusion
The discovery of PFAS in Harford County schools is a serious concern for parents and students.
The school district is working to address the issue, but it is important for parents to be aware of the potential health effects of PFAS and to take steps to protect their children.