PFAS Water Contamination at the Johnston County Public Utilities - East

PFAS Contamination in Johnston County Public Utilities – East: What You Need to Know

Johnston County Public Utilities – East, a North Carolina water provider, has detected concerning levels of PFAS chemicals in its water supply. According to recent testing, samples collected on September 16, 2024, from the Plant Clearwell #2 revealed PFOS at 9.7 ppt and PFOA at 4.2 ppt. These levels exceed the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for both PFOS and PFOA, as finalized in April 2024 but not enforceable until 2029. As a water provider, Johnston Co-East is responsible for ensuring safe drinking water for its customers.

As personal injury lawyers, we’re deeply concerned about the potential health risks posed by this PFAS contamination in Johnston County Public Utilities – East’s water supply. PFOS and PFOA are part of the PFAS family of chemicals, which have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental problems. The detected levels exceed the safe limits set by health authorities, raising serious concerns for the well-being of Johnston Co-East’s residents. We’re committed to helping affected individuals understand their legal options and seek justice.

The detection of PFAS water contamination, with PFOS and PFOA levels exceeding EPA limits, is deeply concerning and requires immediate action. We urge Johnston County Public Utilities – East to be transparent about their findings and take swift measures to address this serious issue. There is overwhelming evidence showing how PFAS is cancer-causing, such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.

To verify this data, visit the EPA’s UCMR 5 Data Finder and search for Johnston Co-East. Data is updated quarterly.

Data Methodology Disclosure

To ensure transparency regarding the “recent research and testing data” mentioned on this page, we are providing details on how this information was obtained. The data is sourced from the following authoritative reports:

• EPA’s UCMR5 Testing Program: The Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5), administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), collects nationwide data on unregulated contaminants in drinking water, including PFAS, to support future regulatory efforts. Explore the UCMR5 Data

The information from the EPA form the basis for the claims made about water quality and testing results on this page. We invite readers to explore these reports for a comprehensive view of the data and its significance.

What is PFAS and How Does It Affect Health?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals found in products like firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and water-repellent fabrics. Known as “forever chemicals,” they resist breaking down in the environment and the human body. This leads to bioaccumulation, where PFAS builds up over time in organs like the kidneys and liver. The CDC states that most people in the U.S. have PFAS in their blood, primarily from contaminated drinking water, food, and air. In North Carolina, where water contamination is a growing concern, understanding these health impacts is vital.

Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, has said, The data linking PFAS to cancer is very clear. This underscores the urgency of addressing PFAS exposure, especially in communities near industrial sites or military bases where contamination is more common.

Health Risks and Protective Steps

PFOS and PFOA, part of the PFAS family, are recognized as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [1]. Extensive research links prolonged exposure to kidney cancer [2], testicular cancer [2], ulcerative colitis [3], liver damage [1], and immune system dysfunction [3]. The levels detected in Johnston Co-East’s water supply—PFOS at 9.7 ppt and PFOA at 4.2 ppt from the Plant Clearwell #2 on September 16, 2024—exceed the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4.0 ppt for both PFOS and PFOA [4].

Residents must demand full disclosure from Johnston Co-East and access water quality reports via their official channels. Those with private wells should pursue PFAS testing through local health departments or the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, as unregulated sources face heightened contamination risks in this region.

References:

• [1] EPA. (2024, November 25). Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
• [2] National Cancer Institute. (2020, September 23). PFAS and Cancer. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
• [3] CDC/ATSDR. (2022, September 21). PFAS Health Effects. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
• [4] EPA. (2023). Drinking Water Regulations for PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas

PFAS’s Connection to Cancer

We need to address the link between PFAS and various types of cancer. PFAS has been associated with an increased risk of testicular, kidney, and liver cancers, as well as ulcerative colitis and thyroid diseases.

Understanding these connections is crucial in assessing the potential health risks of PFAS contamination.

PFAS and Testicular Cancer

Researchers have found a concerning link between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of developing testicular cancer.

The water contamination issue in Johnston Co-East, North Carolina, where PFOS and PFOA were detected, raises alarms about potential health risks, such as testicular cancer.

Individuals affected by water contamination should know the possible connection between PFAS and testicular cancer.

PFAS and Ulcerative Colitis

What Are the Potential Health Effects of PFOS and PFOA Contamination?

Potential health effects of PFOS and PFOA contamination include increased risk of various cancers, liver damage, immune system disruption, and developmental delays. Exposure to these chemicals through contaminated water sources can have serious long-term health implications.

What Steps Can I Take to Reduce My Exposure to PFAS in Drinking Water?

We can reduce exposure to PFAS in drinking water by using activated carbon filters, drinking bottled water from a trusted source, and avoiding products like non-stick cookware. Stay informed for updates on potential contamination.

How Widespread Is the Issue of PFAS Contamination in the United States?

PFAS contamination in the US is widespread, affecting water sources nationwide. Monitoring and addressing this issue collectively is crucial to safeguard public health and the environment. Stay informed to protect yourself.

Marin & Murphy Law Firm is not currently accepting new PFAS claims. This page is general information about water quality and public health, not legal advice, and reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. The firm is licensed in South Carolina, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut; its PFAS matters are handled with co-counsel who maintain local counsel arrangements nationwide. Matthew T. Marin, SC Bar #102771, 997 Morrison Drive, Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29403.