Should all water systems test for PFOA?

After test results revealed water contamination near Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics in Merrimack, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services began testing other water systems for elevated levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). So far the state has tested sites in Bedford, Litchfield, Londonderry, Amherst, and Salem near plastic plants and landfills.

The science on PFOA exposure is still very new, but some studies suggest an association between prolonged PFOA exposure and health problems such as high cholesterol and thyroid disease.

In addition to providing 350 properties with bottled water, state officials note they are seeking long-term solutions as well as requesting that all public water systems in NH voluntarily test for PFOA.

Many nearby residents, however, argue that enough is not being done to address the problem. Some have advocated for mandatory PFOA testing.

On the other hand, testing all public water systems may be excessive, and would not address contamination in private wells. Studies also show that nearly all U.S. residents have some perfluorochemicals in their blood, with no widespread side effects.