In the quaint, coastal community of Westhampton, NY, an unseen threat has been lurking in the water supply, one that has raised eyebrows and concerns among residents and health officials alike. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have been detected in elevated levels, prompting a biomonitoring study that has shed light on the potential risks and implications for both public health and the energy sector.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to a range of health issues, including increased cholesterol levels, changes in hormone levels, high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, and decreased vaccine response in children. The source of the contamination in Westhampton is believed to be Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) used at the nearby Gabreski Air National Guard Base for firefighting training.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) conducted a biomonitoring program to assess PFAS exposure levels among residents served by the public water supply. The study, led by Yichun Liu from the NYSDOH’s Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology, analyzed serum samples from 161 residents, focusing on four types of PFAS: PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA.
The results, published in the journal ‘Hygiene and Environmental Health Advances’ (translated from ‘Hygiene and Environmental Health Advances’), revealed that PFAS levels in the Westhampton study group were generally higher than those found in the broader U.S. population, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018. “We found a positive association between age, sex, length of residency in the study area, and local fish consumption with PFAS serum levels,” Liu explained. This suggests that long-term exposure and local dietary habits may play a significant role in PFAS accumulation in the body.
For the energy sector, the implications are substantial. AFFF has been a staple in firefighting training for decades, particularly in facilities handling flammable materials. The findings from Westhampton could accelerate the push for alternative firefighting foams that are less persistent and harmful to human health and the environment. Companies like 3M and DuPont, which have faced lawsuits over PFAS contamination, are already developing and marketing PFAS-free firefighting foams. However, the transition is slow, and the cost of replacing existing foams and cleaning up contaminated sites is a significant barrier.
The study also highlighted the need for more comprehensive biomonitoring and surveillance programs. “For a more thorough biomonitoring surveillance, systematic monitoring with more comprehensive questionnaires should be developed for emerging contaminants such as PFAS,” Liu suggested. This could lead to increased demand for environmental monitoring services and technologies, presenting opportunities for companies specializing in water treatment and analysis.
Moreover, the findings could influence regulatory policies, potentially leading to stricter guidelines for PFAS levels in drinking water and more stringent regulations for industries using PFAS-containing products. This could impact the energy sector, particularly companies involved in oil and gas extraction, refining, and transportation, which have historically used AFFF for fire protection.
The Westhampton study is a wake-up call, not just for the residents of this coastal community, but for industries and regulators nationwide. As Liu put it, “These findings are consistent with other biomonitoring studies, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and action.” The energy sector, in particular, has a significant role to play in mitigating PFAS contamination and protecting public health. The future of firefighting foams and other PFAS-containing products is at a crossroads, and the path chosen will have far-reaching implications for both the environment and the economy.