PFAS
"PFAS" is an abbreviation that stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a family of man-made chemicals dating back to the 1940s that include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). While common uses have included nonstick cookware, water repellant clothing, and stain proof carpeting, PFAS have been used in a wide range of manufacturing and industrial activities due to these chemicals' durable and oil- and water-resistant properties. While many PFAS have been phased out of use in the US, they are considered “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment.
Scientists are studying the impacts of these compounds on the environment and human health. Though typically found in minuscule amounts, PFAS are found nearly everywhere.
Source: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Are PFAS Regulated
The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regulates drinking water by setting limits, known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). MCLs are numeric standards that have been established for more than 90 chemicals, using the best available analytical and water treatment technologies while taking into consideration costs for treatment. In 2016, US EPA set "Lifetime Health Advisory Levels" for PFOA and PFOS at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) combined. A Lifetime Health Advisory Level is only guidance for evaluating the prevalence and occurrence of unregulated drinking water contaminants. It is not an enforceable drinking water standard. US EPA has not set MCLs for any PFAS chemicals.
Similarly, the state of Illinois has not adopted MCLs for any PFAS chemicals. Illinois EPA is considering whether to regulate PFAS in Illinois drinking water and is conducting a statewide investigation into the prevalence and occurrence of PFAS in finished drinking water.
Illinois EPA indicates that they will use data gathered by this investigation to inform possible development of future state drinking water standards. In the interim, the Illinois EPA has developed "Health-Based Guidance Levels" for certain PFAS chemicals, which are intended to be protective of all people consuming water over a lifetime of exposure. These Health-Based Guidance Levels are not enforceable drinking water standards. Rather, the Health-Based Guidance Levels are benchmarks against which sampling results may be compared to determine if additional investigation or response may be warranted.
How can PFAS Affect Health
Research on the potential health effects of PFAS is ongoing. PFAS continue to be present in a wide range of consumer goods, including food packaging and personal care products, as well as in the soil, air and water. Due to their durable characteristics, PFAS are bioaccumulative, which means that they can build up over time. While exposure does not necessarily mean that a person will get sick or experience an adverse health effect, current scientific studies have potentially linked PFAS exposure to increased cholesterol levels, increased risk for thyroid disease, low infant birth weights, reduced response to vaccines, liver and kidney toxicity, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
What is the City of North Chicago doing?
The City is following guidance from the Illinois EPA and closely monitoring the latest health-based guidance. We will continue monitoring PFAS values through quarterly sampling at the direction of Illinois EPA. The most recent test results will be added to the Annual Water Quality Report, once available.
The US Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency provide information on PFAS and the latest research and regulatory developments. The City is following the issue closely and will continue adhering to guidance from the Illinois EPA and US EPA.
Are there PFAS in my Drinking Water?
As "forever chemicals", trace amounts of PFAS are often detected in drinking water. Illinois IEPA testing has determined that one PFAS chemical was detected in the City's drinking water slightly above the IEPA Health-Based Guidance Level. The concentrations detected in City water are well below the US EPA published Lifetime Health Advisory Level of 70 ppt. Notably, both the US EPA Lifetime Health Advisory Levels and Illinois EPA Health-Based Guidance Levels are measured in parts per trillion.
For the most recent PFAS analysis conducted on North Chicago's Drinking Water Click Here
| City of North Chicago | ||
| DATE |
City of North Chicago Drinking Water |
|
| PFOA | PFOS | |
| IEPA Guidance Level 14.0 (ppt) US EPA Guidance Level 70.0 (ppt) |
IEPA Guidance Level 2.0 (ppt) US EPA Guidance Level 70.0 (ppt) |
|
| 6/1/2021 | 2.3 ppt | 2.3 ppt |
| 6/28/2021 | 2.4 ppt | 2.3 ppt |
| 4/4/2022 | Not Detected | 3.0 ppt |
| 7/6/2022 | Not Detected | 2.0 ppt |
| 10/19/22 | <2.0 | <2.0 |