This is a study with Indiana University and RTI International to test for “forever chemicals” in private well water. Click here for more information about the grant funding and study areas.
They are human-made compounds that do not easily break down in the environment or human body. They are also called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Because they repel grease, oil, and water, they are used in products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stainproof fabric, and food packaging.
Where PFAS are made, some are discharged to air or water. PFAS are also used in firefighting foam at military bases and airports and in firefighting. In rural areas, PFAS may be used in biosolids on farms. They also may be found in landfills and septic tanks. In your household, they may be in your wastewater after using certain products.
Once PFAS get into the environment, they can travel into the water in your well. It is more likely if you live near a manufacturing facility, military base, airport, farm field, or another area where PFAS were used or disposed of.
Exposure to PFAS in well water may increase the chance of certain cancers. They may also increase your chance of problems like thyroid disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a reduced immune response to vaccines.
We will help you test your well water to learn if there are PFAS in your well water and, if so, what you can do about it.
We are ready to send free water testing kits to your home and analyze them in our laboratory.
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