What to Know About PFAS
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Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals found in many consumer products. They are created for purposes of repelling, and resisting heat and sticking. PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they are long-lasting and break down very slowly over time.
- How long have PFAS been around?
PFAS have been used in products since the 1940s.
- Where can PFAS be found?
PFAS can be found everywhere. They are in stain, oil, and water-resisting products like rain jackets, carpets, and sofas. They are also found in non-stick pans, dental floss, makeup, skincare products, food packaging, paper straws, dust particles, and fire-extinguishing foam.
- Is there PFAS in water?
About 20% of human exposure to PFAS comes from the water, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA set a limit for PFAS in drinking water on April 2024 to reduce PFAS exposure for millions of people.
- Are PFAS safe?
Exposure to PFAS can present a serious health risk to humans. Information from Georgia's Department of Public Health on how to limit your exposure is available at: https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/chemical-hazards/pfas
- Is Cobb County Water System (CCWS) testing for PFAS?
CCWS purchases drinking water from Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA). CCMWA samples and tests water regularly to understand and monitor these chemicals. Each year, CCMWA provides a report to CCWS detailing the tests and results for Cobb’s drinking water. This information is included in the Water Quality Report available to all customers each month of June. -
PFAS statement from CCMWA
Protecting public health is the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority's (CCMWA) first core principle concerning PFAS and all drinking water matters. -
What's happening with PFAS in Georgia?
Georgia's Environmental Protections Division (EPD) has a drinking water monitoring initiative and has created an Interactive Story Map with information about PFAS as well as EPD’s current and historical drinking water and surface water monitoring in Georgia.