On February 13, 2007, Department
of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa
P. Jackson released the results of a study that
evaluated the occurrence of a widely used industrial
chemical known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
in drinking-water systems throughout the state.
"The study found very low levels in wells
throughout New Jersey - consistent with levels
found in other areas of the country," said
Commissioner Jackson. "We are early in the
process of assessing PFOA and what it means to
human health. However, it is important to involve
water companies now, rather than later."
The DEP tested 23 drinking-water systems and
PFOA was detected at very low levels in 78 percent
of those tested. The
report (Pdf Format) also
includes drinking-water system results submitted
from outside sources including environmental
groups and water companies.
DEP also has taken the first step toward developing
a preliminary drinking-water
guidance value (Pdf
Format) for
PFOA. Based on existing animal studies and estimates
derived from a lifetime of exposure (70 years),
DEP identified a guidance level of .04 parts
per billion (ppb). Average blood levels in the
United States are approximately 5 ppb.
The new guidance level is the first phase of
an ongoing process to establish a drinking-water
standard for this contaminant. As the science
regarding PFOA is developing rapidly, DEP will
continue to conduct sampling and evaluate data
from all sources as it becomes available. DEP
is not recommending a change in consumption patterns
based on the new information.
PFOA is used to make fluropolymers-substances
with special properties used in many industrial
applications, including the manufacture of consumer
products such as non-stick cookware and all-weather
clothing.
Additional information on PFOA can be found
at http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/index.htm.
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