How New Jersey tamped down PFAS in drinking water
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This episode of Science Friday explores New Jersey's pioneering role in regulating PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' in drinking water. Dr. Hari Iyer, lead author of a Rutgers University study, shares findings that New Jersey’s 2018 state-level PFAS standards led to a 55% reduction in average PFAS concentrations in public water systems over the following decade. The episode highlights how proactive measures—such as shutting down contaminated wells and implementing granulated activated carbon filtration—contributed to this success. Despite progress, the discussion underscores ongoing concerns about long-term health effects, including links to kidney function issues, liver enzyme elevation, and potential cancer risks, particularly due to the body’s ability to magnify PFAS concentrations after ingestion. Dr. Iyer emphasizes the importance of reconstructing historical exposure data to better understand long-term health impacts, drawing parallels to the delayed recognition of asbestos dangers. The episode concludes with a call to action for other states to adopt similar policies and offers listeners resources to test and filter PFAS from their tap water.
New Jersey’s 2018 PFAS drinking water standards led to a 55% reduction in average PFAS levels in public water systems.
Granulated activated carbon filtration and shutting down contaminated wells were key strategies used to reduce exposure.
PFAS levels in water can be biologically magnified in the body, making drinking water a significant exposure pathway.
Long-term health risks—including kidney function issues and potential cancer links—are still being studied, especially for past exposures.
Other states are encouraged to adopt New Jersey’s model, which serves as a real-world test of policy effectiveness.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to PFAS and New Jersey’s Pioneering Role
Ira Flato introduces PFAS as widespread 'forever chemicals' in drinking water and highlights New Jersey’s 2018 adoption of the first state-level PFAS drinking water standards, setting the stage for the episode’s focus on policy impact.
Study Findings: 55% Drop in PFAS Levels
“We found a 55% reduction in average concentrations after the policy was implemented.”
Biological Magnification and Health Risks
The discussion explores how PFAS concentrations can be amplified in the body after ingestion, with emerging evidence linking exposure to kidney function issues, elevated liver enzymes, and potential cancer risks.
How New Jersey Reduced PFAS in Water
Dr. Iyer details the practical strategies used—such as decommissioning high-contamination wells and deploying granulated activated carbon filtration—to achieve the observed reductions in public water systems.
Limitations and Equity Concerns
The episode acknowledges that the study only covered public water systems, leaving about 10% of New Jersey residents—those using private wells—unaccounted for, raising equity and monitoring concerns.
“We may have skewed too far on the side of technological progress. We'll worry about the problems later.”
“The story of PFAS and asbestos and some of these chemicals has shown that there's likely a balance that can be found in doing some evaluation of chemicals when they first come on the market.”
“We found a 55% reduction in average concentrations after the policy was implemented.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Hari Iyer
person
PFAS
other
New Jersey
place
Ira Flato
person
Rutgers University
organization
Granulated Activated Carbon
other
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
organization
EPA
organization
Asbestos
other
Prostate Cancer
other
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