Chemical found in water supplies
Tests are under way on likely carcinogen
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
BY TOM HESTER AND BRIAN MURRAY
Star-Ledger Staff
Low levels of a likely carcinogenic chemical used to make nonstick cookware and all-weather clothing have been found in drinking water systems across New Jersey, according to tests conducted by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The initial results of state testing of drinking water supplies before they are treated showed low levels of the chemical -- perfluoroocatano acid, known as PFOA -- that are "consistent" with what has been found in the rest of the country.

DEP officials say it's safe to drink treated water in New Jersey.

"The DEP is not recommending a change in consumption patterns based on the new information," said Karen Hershey, a spokeswoman.

At the same time, the DEP is testing to determine what dangers the chemical could pose.

"We are early in the process of assessing PFOA and what it means to human health," DEP Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson said yesterday. "... It is important to involve water companies now, rather than later."

In May, June and July, the DEP, environmental groups and water companies tested 23 drinking-water systems in 17 counties, picking water supplies near plants suspected to have used the chemical. PFOA was detected at low levels in 78 percent of those tested. No PFOA was found in the water at the remaining sites.

Low levels of PFOA were found in untreated water tested in northern and central New Jersey in Orange, Sayreville, Delaware Township, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township, Rahway and Newton. A test in Philipsburg was negative.

Last year, the federal Environmental Protection Agency asked eight manufacturers to stop producing PFOA by 2015. The EPA says the chemical is used to make water- and grease-proof products, including microwave popcorn bags, nonstick cookware and upholstery. Federal officials say it has been found in 95 percent of Americans, and has been linked to cancer and development problems in animal studies.

The state testing was conducted after the Delaware Riverkeeper Network found levels of the chemical in household tap water around DuPont's chemical plant in Salem County. DuPont has been the focus of a class action lawsuit and EPA action amid charges it hid information about the dangers of PFOA.

"It's an issue screaming for attention," said Tracy Carluccio, deputy director of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network. "This is one of those extremely dangerous chemicals that have tremendous impacts on the public health and perhaps, also the environment, and we didn't even know about it until recently."

Michele Putnam, director of the DEP's Division of Water Supply, said there is no safe water drinking standard for PFOA but added her agency has taken the first step toward determining an acceptable level.

"We are just trying to get an understanding of the general occurrence and picked water systems near plants where it may have been used or suspected sites on our known contaminated sites list," Putnam said. "We will be working with water companies, asking for routine monitoring and looking to broaden our current study."

Carluccio said PFOA is slick, and can travel quickly when it enters the groundwater and could be anywhere near where the products were left, such as landfills.

"The DEP is taking a good first step by fast-tracking this to establish a drinking water level, but PFOAs must be eliminated from our drinking water and we need a ban on the products," she said.