Sludge Watch ==> New Jersey - study of PFOA (think nonstick cookware) in drinking water

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch Admin:

Here is another substance...teflon and its chemical kin....scrubbed off pots 
and pans into the sewers...land applied as sludge...flushed to surface 
waters with sewage effluent.  So many toxic substances with unknown 
environmental consequences....

.................................................


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 13, 2007

Contact:  Elaine Makatura (609) 292-2994
                Karen Hershey   (609) 984-1795


DEP RELEASES RESULTS OF DRINKING-WATER STUDY


(07/08)TRENTON - Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P.
Jackson today released the results of a study that evaluated the occurrence 
of a
widely used industrial chemical known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in
drinking-water systems throughout the state.

"The study found very low levels in wells throughout New Jersey - consistent
with levels found in other areas of the country," said Commissioner Jackson. 
"We
are early in the process of assessing PFOA and what it means to human 
health.
However, it is important to involve water companies now, rather than later."

The DEP tested 23 drinking-water systems and PFOA was detected at very low
levels in 78 percent of those tested.  The report also includes 
drinking-water
system results submitted from outside sources including environmental groups 
and
water companies.

DEP also has taken the first step toward developing a preliminary 
drinking-water
guidance value for PFOA.  Based on existing animal studies and estimates 
derived
from a lifetime of exposure (70 years), DEP identified a guidance level of 
.04
parts per billion (ppb). Average blood levels in the United States are
approximately 5 ppb.

The new guidance level is the first phase of an ongoing process to establish 
a
drinking-water standard for this contaminant.  As the science regarding PFOA 
is
developing rapidly, DEP will continue to conduct sampling and evaluate data 
from
all sources as it becomes available.  DEP is not recommending a change in
consumption patterns based on the new information.

PFOA is used to make fluropolymers-substances with special properties used 
in
many industrial applications, including the manufacture of consumer products
such as non-stick cookware and all-weather clothing.

To view DEP's occurrence study and the report establishing a guidance level,
visit:  http://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/pfoa.htm