PFAS Water Contamination at the Town of Nashville

PFAS Contamination in Town of Nashville: What You Need to Know

The Town of Nashville, a North Carolina water provider, has detected concerning levels of PFAS chemicals in its water supply. According to recent testing, samples collected on September 23, 2024 from the Eastern Ave MM location revealed PFOS at 8.5 ppt and PFOA at 6.6 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, Town of Nashville 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 Town of Nashville’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 Town of Nashville’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 Town of Nashville 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 Town of Nashville. 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 Town of Nashville’s water supply—PFOS at 8.5 ppt and PFOA at 6.6 ppt from the Eastern Ave MM location on September 23, 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 Town of Nashville 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’ve learned that exposure to PFAS chemicals can lead to severe health issues, including several types of cancer. Studies have linked PFAS to an increased risk of testicular cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid diseases.

Additionally, research suggests a connection between PFAS and ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

PFAS and Testicular Cancer

Studies by respected scientists have linked exposure to PFAS chemicals with an increased risk of testicular cancer. As personal injury lawyers, we’re deeply concerned about the public health implications of PFOS and PFOA water contamination in North Carolina and nationwide.

These ‘forever chemicals’ don’t break down easily and can accumulate in the body over time. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with various cancers, including testicular cancer. It’s crucial for communities to be aware of the potential risks and to hold polluters accountable.

PFAS and Ulcerative Colitis

How Can I Get My Water Tested for PFAS Contamination?

We recommend contacting a state-certified lab to test your water for PFAS contamination. They’ll provide instructions on collecting samples and interpreting results. If levels are high, consider installing a water filtration system to ensure safe drinking water.

Are There Any Water Filtration Systems That Can Remove Pfas?

Yes, there are water filtration systems that can remove PFAS. Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are effective at reducing PFAS levels. We recommend consulting with a water treatment professional to find the best solution.

What are the long-term health effects of exposure to PFAS?

We’re concerned about the long-term effects of PFAS exposure, which can include increased risk of certain cancers, developmental issues in children, and immune system problems. More research is needed to understand the impacts fully.

How Long Has the PFAS Contamination Been Present in the Water Supply?

We don’t know precisely how long the PFAS contamination has been in the water supply. The detection on 9/23/2024 is our only data point, but it may have existed before then.

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.